2008 BMW 730 vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW 730 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 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 65 more horse power than 1992 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1992 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 730 weights approximately 880 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 730 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 BMW 730. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan. 2008 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1992 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1992 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 | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 730 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2260 mm |
