2008 BMW 135 vs. 1968 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW 135 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (104 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 135 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1968 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. 2008 BMW 135 has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 135 | 1968 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 135 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 59 L |
