2005 BMW 116 vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 BMW 116 is newer by 11 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2005 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 116 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Because 2005 BMW 116 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 2005 BMW 116. 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 116 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 116 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
