1993 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Elan (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2012 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1993 Lotus Elan.
Because 2012 BMW 118 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 2012 BMW 118. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 2012 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1993 Lotus Elan | 2012 BMW 118 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Elan | 118 |
Year Released | 1993 | 2012 |
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 | 164 HP | 143 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 300 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1420 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4324 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1765 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1421 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2690 mm |