1992 BMW 538 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1992 BMW 538 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 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 226 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 538 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 538 weights approximately 1134 kg more than 1966 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 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 538 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 538 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 538 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 341 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1180 mm |
