1993 BMW 316 vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1993 BMW 316 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 316 weights approximately 1250 kg more than 1970 Lotus Seven. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1993 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 316 | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 34 L |
