2009 BMW 320 vs. 1998 Lotus 340 R
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus 340 R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus 340 R would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus 340 R (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus 340 R should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 905 kg more than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
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 320 (331 Nm) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus 340 R. (198 Nm). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 320 | 1998 Lotus 340 R | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | 340 R |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 331 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 216 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |
