1996 BMW M3 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1996 BMW M3. (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 141 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW M3. (320 Nm). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
