2008 BMW 120 vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW 120 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 120 (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 120 weights approximately 756 kg more than 1963 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, 2008 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2008 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 120 | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 120 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
