ahh beg to differ.. the s13,s14,s15 are all heaveier.. z31 z32 z33 all way heavier.. these are actually quite light cars..
Z32 Twin Turbo is ~3600lbs... I think I've seen like 3700lbs with fuel and driver...
Here is something to think about...
http://www.puresportscar.com/specs/Elise-for-FAQ.jpg
Lotus Elise, US model, 2005.
General Specifications
Price: $40,930 (destination + $795)
Curb Weight: 1,975 lbs.
Weight Distribution F/R: 40/60
Fuel Capacity: 10.5 gal.
Warranty: 3 year/36,000 mile
Rust-through: 8years / unlimited Wheel Base: 90.6 in.
Track: Front-57.3 in. / Rear-59.3 in. Length: 149.0 in. Width: 67.7 in.
Height: 43.9 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.0 in.
Production first year: 2,000 units(approx)
That cars is basically NOTHING, and it STILL weights 1975lbs empty. 2600lbs for an S12 isn't bad... considering its all made of steel... =( If it had aluminum panels, i.e. hood, doors, hatch... it might be a touch light... same if they had used technology more available today, like on the newest Nissans for suspensions... but then again, if that was the case, the S12 would be a NEW car, not an old one. I don't think that weight is all too bad!
Another FYI...
That Lotus has a Power to Weight Ratio of 10.56lbs/hp.
My Z32TT, which dyno'd 335hp (403hp crank) would have a 8.93lbs/hp PtWR.
A 200HP S12... would be 13lbs/hp. 300hp S12 would be 8.67lbs/hp. ^_^
Hmm... maybe a Z32 is a little lighter... here is one guy's Z
http://www.streetneeds.com/uploads/twinturbonet/timzweight.jpg
3401lbs... his Z had put down 494rwhp @17psi (94 octane untuned) and 567rwhp @21psi (94 octane untuned). How's that for PtWR. ^_^