1996 BMW Z3 vs. 1968 Lotus Europa
To start off, 1996 BMW Z3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW Z3 (184 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW Z3 weights approximately 692 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW Z3 | 1968 Lotus Europa | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z3 | Europa |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1302 kg | 610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 45 L |
