1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3
To start off, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 weights approximately 715 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 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 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elan | ActiveHybrid 3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
