1999 BMW 323 vs. 1998 Lotus 340 R
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 1 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus 340 R (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus 340 R should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 782 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus 340 R. (198 Nm). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus 340 R. 1999 BMW 323 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus 340 R has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus 340 R 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 | 1998 Lotus 340 R | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | 340 R |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1457 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
