1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 956 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 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 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 535 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Elan | 535 |
Year Released | 1969 | 2011 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 406 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |