1998 BMW 325 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1998 BMW 325 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 325 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 325 weights approximately 796 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. 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 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 325 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 45 L |
