1956 BMW 507 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 507. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 507 would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 507 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1956 BMW 507 (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1956 BMW 507 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 507 weights approximately 664 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 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 507 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 507 | Elan |
Year Released | 1956 | 1962 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 45 L |