2007 BMW 550 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2007 BMW 550 is newer by 38 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 550 weights approximately 960 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, 2007 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2007 BMW 550 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 550 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 550 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
