1988 BMW Z1 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1988 BMW Z1 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW Z1 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan. 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, 1988 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW Z1 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z1 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2140 mm |
