1995 BMW Z3 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 BMW Z3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 BMW Z3 would be higher. At 1,894 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 BMW Z3 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW Z3 weights approximately 293 kg more than 2009 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, 1995 BMW Z3 (179 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 BMW Z3 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1894 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 187 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 32 L |
