1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1957 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, 1996 BMW Z3 (275 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven. 1996 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 1957 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1957 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z3 | Seven |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1957 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 29 L |
