1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 37 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 865 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.
Because 2006 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1969 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2006 BMW 525 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. 2006 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | 525 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
