1990 BMW M3 vs. 1971 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 606 kg more than 1971 Lotus Seven. 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1971 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1340 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 34 L |
