2002 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 BMW M3 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW M3 weights approximately 528 kg more than 1981 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, 2002 BMW M3 (355 Nm) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 2002 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2002 BMW M3 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW M3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW M3 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 355 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 31 L |
