2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 760 kg more than 1964 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 Z4 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
