1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 1999 BMW Z3
To start off, 1999 BMW Z3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1999 BMW Z3. (141 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW Z3 weights approximately 482 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 BMW Z3. (180 Nm). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 1999 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | Z3 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1897 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 186 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2450 mm |
