1957 BMW 501 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 12 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 30 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 BMW 501 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1969 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1957 BMW 501 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 501 | Elan |
Year Released | 1957 | 1969 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 223 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 72.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1170 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2140 mm |