1999 BMW 323 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 761 kg more than 1966 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 BMW 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1999 BMW 323 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 323 | Elan |
Year Released | 1999 | 1966 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1557 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 696 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1180 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |