2000 BMW 318 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2000 BMW 318 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW 318 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 318 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1968 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, 2000 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 318 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
