2002 BMW 520 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2002 BMW 520 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 520 weights approximately 781 kg more than 1969 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, 2002 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 520 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
