2005 BMW M3 vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2011 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2011 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 774 kg more than 2011 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2005 BMW M3 | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Elise |
Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 323 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 372 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |