2009 BMW M3 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 28 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2009 BMW M3 (295 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | M3 | Esprit |
Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 295 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2490 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |