1985 BMW 316 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP) has 103 more horse power than 1985 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 316 weights approximately 220 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 316 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 189 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
