1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (229 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 595 kg more than 1968 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 51 L |
