1972 BMW 3 vs. 1958 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1972 BMW 3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1958 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1958 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1958 Lotus Elite. 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Lotus Elite. (105 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 1958 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 3 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1958 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 29 L |
