1969 BMW 1600 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1969 BMW 1600 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1969 BMW 1600. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1969 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 BMW 1600 weights approximately 294 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
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:
| 1969 BMW 1600 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 1600 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 702 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1170 mm |
