1990 BMW M3 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (234 HP) has 62 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 84 kg more than 1988 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, 1990 BMW M3 (240 Nm) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 234 HP | 172 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2440 mm |
