1995 Lotus Elan vs. 2002 BMW Z3
To start off, 2002 BMW Z3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z3 (228 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1995 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1995 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z3 weights approximately 380 kg more than 1995 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 BMW Z3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 BMW Z3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 BMW Z3 (301 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Elan. 2002 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1995 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1995 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Lotus Elan | 2002 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
