1996 BMW M3 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 7 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 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1989 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, 1996 BMW M3 (305 Nm) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
