2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, both 2001 Lotus Elise and 2001 BMW Z3 were released in the same year (2001). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,488 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z3 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2001 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, 2001 BMW Z3 (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Elise | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 74.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 199 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 51 L |
