1985 BMW M6 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1985 BMW M6 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,451 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW M6 weights approximately 925 kg more than 1959 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, 1985 BMW M6 (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW M6 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M6 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3451 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 29 L |
