2005 BMW 318 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 699 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. 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, 2005 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
