2004 BMW 318 vs. 1974 Lotus Eclat
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Eclat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
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, 1974 Lotus Eclat (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Eclat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1974 Lotus Eclat | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Eclat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
