1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 is newer by 48 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 300 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 1376 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, 2011 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 471 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2011 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | 550 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 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 | 3750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2969 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
