2009 BMW M3 vs. 1999 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise 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 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise.
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 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1999 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 295 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 13.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 40 L |
