1996 BMW 735 vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 BMW 735 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 735 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 735 (232 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1992 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 735 should accelerate faster than 1992 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 735 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 BMW 735 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 735. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 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, 1996 BMW 735 (321 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 735 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 735 | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 735 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2260 mm |
