1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2011 BMW 128
To start off, 2011 BMW 128 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 128 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 128 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 128 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 128 weights approximately 1005 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 2011 BMW 128 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 128 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2011 BMW 128 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elite | 128 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4361 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 53 L |
