1959 BMW 700 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 390 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 BMW 700 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 BMW 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 700 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2260 mm |
