2001 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,507 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2001 BMW M3. (326 HP @ 7900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW M3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M3 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW M3. (355 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW M3 | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.9 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
