1984 BMW 323 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1984 BMW 323 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,314 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 323 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1984 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1984 BMW 323 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 323 | Elan |
Year Released | 1984 | 1962 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2314 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 205 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2140 mm |