2009 BMW 320 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 320 is newer by 40 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 320 weights approximately 770 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, 2009 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 320 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 320 | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 330 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 219 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1170 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |