1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1999 BMW Z3
To start off, both 1999 Lotus Elise and 1999 BMW Z3 were released in the same year (1999). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z3 (240 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z3 weights approximately 687 kg more than 1999 Lotus Elise. 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, 1999 BMW Z3 (320 Nm) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm). This means 1999 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1999 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
