1988 BMW M6 vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 Lotus Elan is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M6 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M6 (282 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1992 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M6 should accelerate faster than 1992 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M6 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 BMW M6 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 1988 BMW M6. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1988 BMW M6 (334 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M6 | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M6 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 334 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
