BMW Z1 (1988 – 1991) vs Lotus Elan (1989 – 1994): specs compared
Both offer around 170 hp at most. The Lotus Elan is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 7.2 s against 7.9 s. The BMW Z1 has the higher top speed: 225 km/h against 220 km/h. The Lotus Elan uses less fuel, from 8.9 L/100 km against 9.2 L/100 km. It is the lighter car, from 997 kg against 1,250 kg. At 3,950 mm, the BMW Z1 is 148 mm longer than the Lotus Elan.
| Specification |
BMW
Z1
1988 – 1991
|
Lotus
Elan
1989 – 1994
|
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Origin | Germany | United Kingdom |
| Documented years | 1988 – 1991 | 1989 – 1994 |
| Body style | — | — |
| Variants | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Drive | RWD | FWD |
| Gearbox | Manual | Manual |
| Performance | ||
| Power | 170 hp | 132 – 167 hp |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 142 – 201 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.9 s | 7.2 s |
| Top speed | 225 km/h | 196 – 220 km/h |
| Economy | ||
| Fuel economy | 9.2 L/100 km | 8.9 L/100 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,950 mm | 3,802 mm |
| Width | 1,801 mm | 1,735 mm |
| Height | 1,278 mm | 1,229 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,446 mm | 2,250 mm |
| Curb weight | 1,250 kg | 997 kg |
Ranges cover all variants of each car. The highlight marks the best version per row.