1997 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1997 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1980 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW M3 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Esprit |
Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3201 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 | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 236 Nm | 222 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |