1992 BMW 538 vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 BMW 538 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 538 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 538 (341 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 1236 kg more than 1963 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, 1992 BMW 538 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 538 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1992 BMW 538 | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 538 | Elan |
Year Released | 1992 | 1963 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 341 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 594 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |