2003 BMW M3 vs. 1957 Lotus Seven
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 635 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. 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, 2003 BMW M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1957 Lotus Seven | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Seven |
Year Released | 2003 | 1957 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 342 HP | 126 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 350 Nm | 153 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
Top Speed | 259 km/hour | 161 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 750 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1560 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 950 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2190 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 29 L |