2000 BMW M3 vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2000 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW M3 (325 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW M3 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 BMW M3 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 2000 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2000 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2000 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW M3 | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
