2003 BMW 520 vs. 1996 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2003 BMW 520 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1996 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2260 mm |
