2008 BMW 320 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1974 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Elite |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
