1999 BMW 323 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 607 kg more than 1969 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 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 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 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
