1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 54 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), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 225 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 1340 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.
Because 2013 BMW 5 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Lotus Elite. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series will offer significantly more control. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 2013 BMW 5 Series 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. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elite | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
