2009 BMW M3 vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 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 64 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (350 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 470 kg more than 2002 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, both vehicles can yield 400 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1810 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
