Car comparison

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4svsBMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison
VS

BMW M3 Coupe (E36)

3.2

321 hp3201 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1995-1999

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    275 km/h
    171 mph Unrestricted
    260 km/h
    162 mph Restricted
  • Highest torque
    375 Nm
    277 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,305 kg
    2,877 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    221 hp/t
    165 kW/t
    4.5 kg/hp
  • Best estimated range
    652 km
    405 mi
  • Best performance score
    69/100
  • Best economy score
    77/100

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

  • Most powerful
    321 hp
    239 kW
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    11.0 L/100 km
    21.4 mpg US
    25.7 mpg UK
  • Largest trunk
    405 L
  • Best overall score
    62/100
  • Best practicality score
    55/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelLotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4sBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Power
288hp215kW
321hp239kW
Torque
375Nm277lb-ft
350Nm258lb-ft
Curb weight
1,305kg2,877lb
1,460kg3,219lb
Gross weight
1,566kg3,452lb
1,950kg4,299lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
275 km/h171 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
63.4s99% target: 272 km/h / 169 mph
Calculated
71.1s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.9s
5.5s
0-200 km/h
15.7s
Calculated
18.7s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.7s
Calculated
5.2s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.2L/100 km21mpg US25.2mpg UK
11L/100 km21.4mpg US25.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
16.9L/100 km13.9mpg US16.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.9s
Calculated
13.6s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
221hp/t165kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
220hp/t164kW/t100hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
287Nm/t192lb-ft/ton
Calculated
240Nm/t160lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
652km405mi
Calculated
564km350mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,174cc133cu in
3,201cc195cu in
Length
4,411mm174in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,883mm74in
1,710mm67in
Height
1,150mm45in
1,335mm53in
Wheelbase
2,420mm95in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,520mm60in
1,422mm56in
Rear track
1,520mm60in
1,444mm57in
Ground clearance-
110mm4in
Trunk volume
200L
405L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
5
Fuel tank
73L
62L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4sBMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2PowerTorque
  • Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s6,400 rpm4,100 rpm6,650 rpm
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.27,400 rpm3,250 rpm7,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricLotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4sBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.7 s
5.2 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.9 s
5.5 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
15.7 s
18.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
275 km/h171 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.3 s
330 ft
101 m
5.7 s
6.0 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.5 s
8.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.9 s
11.5 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.9 s
13.6 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
182 km/h
113 mph
173 km/h
107 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
288 hp
215 kW
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 has 33 hp more than Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s.

The biggest power difference is between Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: 33 hp (25 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
375 Nm
277 lb-ft
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
350 Nm
258 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
1,305 kg
2,877 lb
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
1,460 kg
3,219 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
Unrestricted
275 km/h171 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s4.9 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.25.5 s

Although BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2 has more power, Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2: 0.6 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
652 km
405 mi
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
564 km
350 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
288 hp
215 kW
4.9 s
Unrestricted
275 km/h171 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
321 hp
239 kW
5.5 s
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
Power
288 hp
215 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
275 km/h171 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
200 L
7.1 cu ft
Length
4,411 mm
173.7 in
Height
1,150 mm
45.3 in
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
Power
288 hp
215 kW
0-100 km/h4.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
275 km/h171 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Power
321 hp
239 kW
0-100 km/h5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
4.9 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
5.5 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleLotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo S4sBMWM3 Coupe (E36)3.2
Power
288 hp
215 kW
321 hp
239 kW
Torque
375 Nm
277 lb-ft
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.9 s
5.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
275 km/h171 mph
Restricted
260 km/h162 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,305 kg
2,877 lb
1,460 kg
3,219 lb
Fuel consumption
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
11.0 L/100 km
21.4 mpg US
25.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
200 L
7.1 cu ft
Length
4,411 mm
173.7 in
Height
1,150 mm
45.3 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
5 seats
Trunk
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Length
4,433 mm
174.5 in
Height
1,335 mm
52.6 in
Range score
652 km
405 mi
564 km
350 mi
Trunk score
200 L
7.1 cu ft
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
221 hp/t
165 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
220 hp/t
164 kW/t
4.5 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleLotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4sBMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2
Consumption11.2 L/100 km21 mpg US25.2 mpg UK11 L/100 km21.4 mpg US25.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.60 LC100 km19.25 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi31.54 LC100 mi30.98 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,680 L444 US gal370 UK gal1,650 L436 US gal363 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,940 LC/year2,888 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s

  • Has 25 Nm more
  • Is 155 kg lighter
  • Is 0.6 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 10 km/h (6 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 1 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 88 km (55 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Highest torque
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2

  • Has 33 hp more
  • Uses 0.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 205 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Most powerful
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Heaviest
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo S4s
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) 3.2
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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