1957 BMW 502 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,579 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1957 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 502 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1997 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 502 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 502 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2579 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 117 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
