1960 BMW 502 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1960 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1960 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1960 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 BMW 502 weights approximately 484 kg more than 2012 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:
| 1960 BMW 502 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 502 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 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 | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 44 L |
