1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 42 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 825 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, 2011 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 2011 BMW 120 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Elan | 120 |
Year Released | 1969 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4250 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1750 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 53 L |