2009 BMW 135 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 935 kg more than 1962 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 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2009 BMW 135 has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 135 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 135 | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1962 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2978 cc | 1496 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 302 HP | 100 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 138 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 72.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 250 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 | 1525 kg | 590 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 45 L |