1956 BMW 501 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1962 Lotus Elan is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,166 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 501 weights approximately 815 kg more than 1962 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, 1956 BMW 501 (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 501 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 501 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3166 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2140 mm |
