1998 BMW 320 vs. 1970 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1970 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1970 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 886 kg more than 1970 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 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Lotus Seven. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Lotus Seven. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1970 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1970 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1970 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 34 L |
