2003 BMW 320 vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 BMW 320 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2003 BMW 320. (142 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 320 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Because 2003 BMW 320 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1994 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 320 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
