1998 Lotus 340 R vs. 2011 BMW 118
To start off, 2011 BMW 118 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus 340 R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus 340 R would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus 340 R (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2011 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus 340 R should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 118 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
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, 2011 BMW 118 (300 Nm) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus 340 R. (198 Nm). This means 2011 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus 340 R | 2011 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | 340 R | 118 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 51 L |
