1972 BMW 3 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1972 BMW 3. (201 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 448 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
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 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1374 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2299 mm |
