1993 Lotus Elan vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1993 Lotus Elan. (164 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1993 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1993 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 BMW 120 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 2010 BMW 120. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Elan | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | 120 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2670 mm |
