1978 BMW 520 vs. 1960 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1978 BMW 520 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 BMW 520 (135 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 BMW 520 weights approximately 1088 kg more than 1960 Lotus Elite. 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, 1978 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1978 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 BMW 520 | 1960 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 29 L |
