2006 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Lotus Elise
To start off, both 2006 BMW M3 and 2006 Lotus Elise were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (355 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Elise. (190 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 674 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 BMW M3 (370 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW M3 | 2006 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1803 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 355 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 896 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
