2007 BMW 318 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 2007 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elite |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 29 L |
