1986 BMW 325 vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1986 BMW 325 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,693 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 325 (126 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 325 weights approximately 570 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. 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, 1986 BMW 325 (230 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2693 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 34 L |
