1997 BMW M3 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW M3 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2240 mm |
