2000 BMW M3 vs. 2003 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW M3 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 204 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW M3 weights approximately 820 kg more than 2003 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, 2000 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW M3 | 2003 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
