1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 BMW X3

To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 1281 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1963 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 422 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.

Compare all specifications:

1963 Lotus Elan 2012 BMW X3
Make Lotus BMW
Model Elan X3
Year Released 1963 2012
Body Type Convertible SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1498 cc 2993 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 100 HP 256 HP
Engine RPM 5700 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 138 Nm 560 Nm
Torque RPM 3750 RPM 2000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 90 mm
Engine Stroke Size 72.7 mm 84 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Top Speed 185 km/hour 209 km/hour
Drive Type Rear AWD
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 594 kg 1875 kg
Vehicle Length 3700 mm 4648 mm
Vehicle Width 1430 mm 1881 mm
Vehicle Height 1150 mm 1675 mm
Wheelbase Size 2140 mm 2810 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 45 L 67 L


 

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