2002 BMW M3 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 218 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW M3 weights approximately 810 kg more than 2005 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, 2002 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (174 Nm). This means 2002 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2002 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW M3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 BMW M3 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Elise |
Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 355 Nm | 174 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 785 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 | 67 L | 38 L |