1998 BMW 330 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1998 BMW 330 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 330 (181 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 330 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1974 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 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 330 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 330 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
