1989 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Elan. (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 855 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Lotus Elan | 2012 BMW X3 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Elan | X3 |
Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 256 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 201 Nm | 560 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
Drive Type | Front | AWD |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1875 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4648 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1881 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1675 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 67 L |