1993 BMW 316 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1993 BMW 316 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1993 BMW 316. (102 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1993 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 316 weights approximately 130 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 BMW 316. (151 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 316 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |
