2005 BMW 318 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 805 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
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, 2005 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Seven |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 29 L |
