1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 BMW 750
To start off, 2012 BMW 750 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 750 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 750 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 750 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 750 weights approximately 1515 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. 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 750 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 471 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 750 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2012 BMW 750 has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 750 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2012 BMW 750 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | 750 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5215 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1479 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 3211 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 82 L |
