2008 BMW X3 vs. 1990 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 BMW X3. (162 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 720 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Because 2008 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1990 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | X3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2260 mm |
