1996 BMW 528 vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 BMW 528 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 528 (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 1001 kg more than 1963 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, 1996 BMW 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 1996 BMW 528 has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 528 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 528 | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 528 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 233 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
