2008 BMW X3 vs. 1962 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (228 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 1175 kg more than 1962 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 X3 (480 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1962 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | X3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1962 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1765 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5050 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2140 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 45 L |
