1994 BMW M5 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 219 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 936 kg more than 1968 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, 1994 BMW M5 (400 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M5 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3793 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1786 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
