2008 BMW 325 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 495 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 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 2008 BMW 325 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 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Elite |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 237 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 | 1555 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
