2004 BMW 316 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2004 BMW 316 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 316 (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 316 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 2004 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 316 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elite |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 29 L |
