1973 BMW 3.3 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1973 BMW 3.3 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,295 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 BMW 3.3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 BMW 3.3 (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 BMW 3.3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 BMW 3.3 weights approximately 870 kg more than 1959 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, 1973 BMW 3.3 (289 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1973 BMW 3.3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 1973 BMW 3.3 has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 BMW 3.3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 BMW 3.3 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 3.3 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3295 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 29 L |
