2006 BMW M3 vs. 1962 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (333 HP) has 250 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 910 kg more than 1962 Lotus Elite. 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, 2006 BMW M3 (355 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 1962 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elite |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 333 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 29 L |
