1998 BMW 316 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1998 BMW 316 (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
