1957 BMW 501 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 45 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 599 kg more than 2002 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, 1957 BMW 501 (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 BMW 501 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 501 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
