2006 BMW 316 vs. 1989 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2006 BMW 316 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2006 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 316 weights approximately 445 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 2006 BMW 316 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 2006 BMW 316. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Elan (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 316 | 1989 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 65 L |
