1983 BMW 323 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1983 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 323 weights approximately 321 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1983 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.2 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 38 L |
