1987 BMW 750 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 750. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 750 would be higher. At 4,986 cc (12 cylinders), 1987 BMW 750 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW 750 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW 750 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 750 weights approximately 840 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 BMW 750 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1987 BMW 750. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 BMW 750 (451 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 750 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 1987 BMW 750 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1987 BMW 750 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 750 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 750 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4986 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1860 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
