2008 BMW 530 vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW 530 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 530 weights approximately 921 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.
Because 2008 BMW 530 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW 530 will offer significantly more control. 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 530 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 530 | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 530 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1963 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
