1995 BMW M5 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1995 BMW M5 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,794 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW M5 (335 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW M5 weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1971 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW M5 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M5 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3794 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1170 mm |
