1995 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 BMW 535
To start off, 2007 BMW 535 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 535 (268 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1995 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1995 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 535 weights approximately 715 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 535 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 2007 BMW 535. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 2007 BMW 535 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Elan. 2007 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1995 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1995 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Elan | 2007 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | 535 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2890 mm |
