2009 BMW M3 vs. 1994 Lotus Elan
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 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 251 more horse power than 1994 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1994 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1994 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 BMW M3 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1994 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2260 mm |
