1990 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2006 BMW 320. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 665 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 2006 BMW 320 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 BMW 320 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 2006 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1990 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1990 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Lotus Elan | 2006 BMW 320 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Elan | 320 |
Year Released | 1990 | 2006 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 340 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1685 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2770 mm |