1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2012 BMW 640
To start off, 2012 BMW 640 is newer by 53 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 640 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 640 (318 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 640 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 640 weights approximately 1245 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, 2012 BMW 640 (450 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 640 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 2012 BMW 640 has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 640 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2012 BMW 640 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elite | 640 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 318 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 5007 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
