1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1992 BMW 850
To start off, 1992 BMW 850 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 1090 kg more than 1969 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, 1992 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 303 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1992 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1992 BMW 850 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | 850 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 4988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 52 L |
