2007 BMW 545 vs. 1991 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 BMW 545 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 545 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 1991 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1991 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 545 weights approximately 955 kg more than 1991 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 545 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 2007 BMW 545. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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, 2007 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 545 | 1991 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 545 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2260 mm |
