2009 BMW 530 vs. 1992 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1992 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1992 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 365 kg more than 1992 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW 530 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 276 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Lotus Elan. 2009 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1992 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1992 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 | 1992 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 530 | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1587 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 215 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
Torque | 480 Nm | 204 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1020 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1740 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2260 mm |