1998 BMW 316 vs. 1971 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 316 (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 656 kg more than 1971 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, 1998 BMW 316 (165 Nm) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1971 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 63 mm |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 160 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 | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 34 L |
