1990 BMW 316 vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1958 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 29 L |
