1996 BMW 520 vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 BMW 520 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 BMW 520. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 476 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 1996 BMW 520 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 1996 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 520 | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 520 | Elan |
Year Released | 1996 | 1990 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2260 mm |