2005 BMW 330 vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2005 BMW 330 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 330 weights approximately 762 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 330 | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 330 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1782 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
