1991 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Because 2006 BMW 318 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 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 318. 2006 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1991 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1991 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Lotus Elan | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | 318 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| 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 | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
