2009 BMW 120 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 35 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), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 325 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 120 | Elite |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 67 L |
