1956 BMW 502 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1956 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 502 weights approximately 535 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 502 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 502 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1416 kg | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |
