1998 BMW 320 vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 204 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
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, both vehicles can yield 190 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1974 Lotus Eclat has automatic transmission and 1998 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 1998 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Lotus Eclat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Eclat |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1106 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |
