2008 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Lotus Elise
To start off, both 2008 BMW M3 and 2008 Lotus Elise were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 219 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 689 kg more than 2008 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2008 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 5.3 seconds |
| 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 | 881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 32 L |
