2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1971 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 615 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 Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW Z4 | 1971 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | Z4 | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 126 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 153 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4270 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1310 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 59 L |