2008 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1980 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
