2008 BMW M3 vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 874 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW M3 | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Elan |
Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1557 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 339 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 147 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 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 | 1570 kg | 696 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3700 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1180 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2140 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |