1988 BMW M3 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1988 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M3 weights approximately 500 kg more than 1969 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
