2009 BMW 125 vs. 1963 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 46 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), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 726 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.
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, 2009 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2009 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 125 | 1963 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 125 | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1963 |
Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 215 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 270 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 | 231 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 594 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |