2008 BMW 318 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1971 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, 2008 BMW 318 (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |
