2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 506 kg more than 1969 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 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.1 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 59 L |
