2006 BMW X3 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 BMW X3 is newer by 25 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 BMW X3. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW X3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW X3 weights approximately 858 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2006 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 BMW X3 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW X3 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | X3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.2 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 31 L |
