1996 BMW 530 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 BMW 530 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 530 (193 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 530 weights approximately 819 kg more than 1966 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 530 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 530 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 530 | Elan |
Year Released | 1996 | 1966 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1557 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 193 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 696 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1180 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |