1990 BMW 316 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise

To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 22 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 154 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 Lotus Elise (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 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 2012 Lotus Elise
Make BMW Lotus
Model 316 Elise
Year Released 1990 2012
Body Type Sedan Roadster
Engine Position Front Middle
Engine Size 1596 cc 1800 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 100 HP 217 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 8000 RPM
Torque 141 Nm 210 Nm
Torque RPM 4250 RPM 5000 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 926 kg
Vehicle Length 4330 mm 3785 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1390 mm 1118 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2299 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 44 L


 

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