2009 BMW M3 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 296 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 636 kg more than 1969 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Elan |
Year Released | 2009 | 1969 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1558 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 72.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 889 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 59 L |