2009 BMW 525 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 525 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 will offer significantly more control. 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 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 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 | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.9 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
