1990 BMW 316 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| 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 | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
