1983 BMW 525 vs. 1960 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1983 BMW 525 is newer by 23 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 2,691 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 BMW 525 (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 918 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, 1983 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite. 1983 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1960 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1960 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 1960 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1960 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2691 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 582 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 29 L |
