1985 BMW 324 vs. 2007 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 324. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 324 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1985 BMW 324. (85 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 324 weights approximately 379 kg more than 2007 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 BMW 324. (152 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 BMW 324.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 324 | 2007 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 324 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 32 L |
