2003 BMW 520 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,170 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 1080 kg more than 1962 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW 520 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 520 | Elan |
Year Released | 2003 | 1962 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2170 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |