1974 BMW 3 vs. 1997 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 728 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1974 BMW 3 | 1997 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 3 | Elise |
Year Released | 1974 | 1997 |
Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 117 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 705 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1210 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2310 mm |