1956 BMW 507 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 50 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1956 BMW 507. (148 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 507. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 507 weights approximately 304 kg more than 2006 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. Let's talk about torque, 1956 BMW 507 (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1956 BMW 507 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 BMW 507 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 507 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.1 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
| 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 | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 110 L | 40 L |
