1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 BMW 118
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 118 (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 792 kg more than 1963 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, 2009 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2009 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | 118 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 51 L |
