2007 BMW X3 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2007 BMW X3 is newer by 26 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW X3 (268 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW X3 weights approximately 695 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.
Because 2007 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, 2007 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, 2007 BMW X3 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2007 BMW X3 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. 2007 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW X3 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | X3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | 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 | 268 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 67 L |
