2003 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 737 kg more than 1996 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2003 BMW M3 | 1996 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Elise |
Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 300 Nm | 169 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 197 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 705 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 40 L |