1981 BMW 520 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 520 weights approximately 435 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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, 1981 BMW 520 (170 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 520 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 520 | Elise |
Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 186 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 133 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.5:1 |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 785 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3800 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 38 L |