1987 BMW 324 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1987 BMW 324 is newer by 13 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 324 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 1987 BMW 324 (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 324 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
