2009 BMW 325 vs. 1964 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 325 is newer by 45 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 325 (194 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan.
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 325 (400 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 325 | 1964 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 325 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
