2009 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 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 294 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 780 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise. 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 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Elise |
Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1795 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 120 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 89.3 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 750 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2310 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |