1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2010 BMW M5
To start off, 2010 BMW M5 is newer by 41 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 5,000 cc (10 cylinders), 2010 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M5 (500 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 384 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M5 weights approximately 970 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, 2010 BMW M5 (519 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2010 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | M5 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 519 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 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 | 850 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4864 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2888 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
