1998 BMW 320 vs. 1960 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 728 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite. 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 320 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1960 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 29 L |
