1996 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 568 kg more than 2011 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, 1996 BMW M3 (320 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
