2008 BMW M3 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1995 Lotus Esprit. (286 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1995 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 231 kg more than 1995 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Lotus Esprit. (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
