1984 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 54 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 1984 BMW 316 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2260 mm |
