2007 BMW 320 vs. 1995 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 BMW 320 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2007 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 320 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan.
Because 2007 BMW 320 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 2007 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 320. 2007 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1995 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1995 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 320 | 1995 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2260 mm |
