1993 BMW 518 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1993 BMW 518 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 29 more horse power than 1993 BMW 518. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1993 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 BMW 518 weights approximately 100 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 BMW 518 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 518 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2490 mm |
