1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (141 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 1040 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elan. 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 (180 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1897 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 186 km/hour | 185 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 | 1630 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
