2008 BMW X3 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 BMW X3 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW X3 (260 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW X3 weights approximately 599 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 X3 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2008 BMW X3 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW X3 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | X3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| 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 |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1818 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2440 mm |
