1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 449 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lotus Esprit | 2011 BMW M3 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Esprit | M3 |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 3999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 208 HP | 414 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 8300 RPM |
Torque | 277 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 75.2 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1655 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4615 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1803 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1424 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2761 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |