2009 BMW 740 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW 740 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 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 740 (302 HP) has 176 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 740 weights approximately 1115 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.
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 740 (390 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2009 BMW 740 has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 740 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 740 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3998 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 126 HP |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3140 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 59 L |
