1991 BMW Z1 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1991 BMW Z1 is newer by 32 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW Z1 weights approximately 670 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, 1991 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1991 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW Z1 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z1 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2240 mm |
