2005 BMW M3 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 18 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (328 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 505 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, 2005 BMW M3 (330 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 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 Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
