1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2013 BMW M3
To start off, 2013 BMW M3 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M3 (408 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M3 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1981 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, 2013 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Lotus Esprit | 2013 BMW M3 | |
Make | Lotus | BMW |
Model | Esprit | M3 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 408 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 400 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
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 | 1120 kg | 1680 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4618 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1976 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1418 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2761 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |