2009 BMW 550 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 1030 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 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 550 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 550 | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 360 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 489 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 72.8 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 193 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 Weight | 1730 kg | 700 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1170 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |