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 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (219 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 689 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 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 153 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 | 3246 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 238 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 4.6 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 | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |
