1986 BMW 325 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1986 BMW 325 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW 325 (171 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 325 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 325 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
