1961 BMW 502 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1961 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 502 weights approximately 560 kg more than 2005 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:
| 1961 BMW 502 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 502 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
