1968 BMW 2002 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1968 BMW 2002 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 BMW 2002 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 BMW 2002 (130 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 BMW 2002 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 BMW 2002 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1966 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, 1968 BMW 2002 (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 BMW 2002 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 BMW 2002 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 2002 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 45 L |
