2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,926 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 293 kg more than 1987 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 31 L |
