1998 BMW 323 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 323 (169 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 680 kg more than 1957 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 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 29 L |
