2008 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (218 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 705 kg more than 2009 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 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW M3 | 2009 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Elise |
Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 218 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 212 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 950 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |