1957 BMW 501 vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1964 Lotus Elan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 BMW 501 (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 815 kg more than 1964 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, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 501 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1498 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 | 223 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2140 mm |
