2009 BMW M3 vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 BMW M3 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 197 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 599 kg more than 2012 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 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Elise |
Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 217 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 926 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 44 L |