2008 BMW 730 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW 730 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 730 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 730 weights approximately 1204 kg more than 1966 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 730 (500 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 353 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2008 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 730 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 730 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 45 L |
