2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 20 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 2,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2000 BMW Z3. (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 109 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW Z3. (237 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2489 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 67 L |
