2009 BMW 530 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (254 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 636 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 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2009 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 530 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 530 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 254 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 889 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |
