1990 BMW 316 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elise (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise.
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, 1996 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 316 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 316 | Elise |
Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
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 | 705 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |