2005 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Esprit. (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2005 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, both vehicles can yield 400 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Esprit | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3506 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 282 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 4.8 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.4 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 63 L |
