2004 BMW 320 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2004 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Because 2004 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 2004 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2004 BMW 320 (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 320 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1680 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
