Car comparison

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300vsBMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0

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

New comparison
VS

BMW M3 Coupe (E36)

GT 3.0

295 hp2990 ccGasolineRWDManualNaturally aspiratedCoupe1994-1995

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.5 s
  • Fastest top speed
    280 km/h
    174 mph Unrestricted
    270 km/h
    168 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    304 hp
    227 kW
  • Highest torque
    389 Nm
    287 lb-ft
  • Lightest
    1,215 kg
    2,679 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    250 hp/t
    187 kW/t
    4.0 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    60/100
  • Best performance score
    72/100

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0

  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.1 L/100 km
    25.8 mpg US
    31.0 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    714 km
    444 mi
  • Largest trunk
    405 L
  • Best economy score
    82/100
  • Best practicality score
    51/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelLotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
Power
304hp227kW
295hp220kW
Torque
389Nm287lb-ft
323Nm238lb-ft
Curb weight
1,215kg2,679lb
1,440kg3,175lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
58.4s99% target: 277 km/h / 172 mph
Calculated
78.3s99% target: 262 km/h / 163 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.5s
5.9s
0-200 km/h
14.1s
Calculated
20.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.3s
Calculated
5.6s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
11.2L/100 km21mpg US25.2mpg UK
9.1L/100 km25.8mpg US31.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption city-
13L/100 km18.1mpg US21.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway-
7.9L/100 km29.8mpg US35.8mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.5s
Calculated
14.0s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
250hp/t187kW/t113hp/1000 lb
Calculated
205hp/t153kW/t93hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
320Nm/t214lb-ft/ton
Calculated
224Nm/t150lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
652km405mi
Calculated
714km444mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,174cc133cu in
2,990cc182cu in
Length
4,390mm173in
4,433mm175in
Width
1,900mm75in
1,710mm67in
Height
1,165mm46in
1,335mm53in
Wheelbase
2,440mm96in
2,700mm106in
Front track
1,525mm60in
1,422mm56in
Rear track
1,555mm61in
1,444mm57in
Ground clearance-
110mm4in
Trunk volume
200L
405L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
4
Fuel tank
73L
65L

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 Sport 300BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0PowerTorque
  • Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300: Power / Torque
  • BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 3006,500 rpm4,400 rpm6,750 rpm
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.07,000 rpm3,900 rpm7,250 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricLotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.3 s
5.6 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.5 s
5.9 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
14.1 s
20.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.1 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
5.5 s
6.1 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.2 s
9.2 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.5 s
11.8 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.5 s
14.0 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
189 km/h
117 mph
168 km/h
105 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300
304 hp
227 kW
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
295 hp
220 kW

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300 has 9 hp more than BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0.

The biggest power difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0 and Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300: 9 hp (7 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300
389 Nm
287 lb-ft
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
323 Nm
238 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 Sport 300
1,215 kg
2,679 lb
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
1,440 kg
3,175 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 Sport 300
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
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 Sport 3004.5 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.05.9 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300 and BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0: 1.4 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 Sport 300
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0 and Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300: 2.1 L/100 km.

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 Sport 300
250 hp/t
187 kW/t
4.0 kg/hp
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
205 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 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 Sport 300
652 km
405 mi
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
714 km
444 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
LotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300
304 hp
227 kW
4.5 s
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
295 hp
220 kW
5.9 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 Sport 300
Power
304 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
200 L
7.1 cu ft
Length
4,390 mm
172.8 in
Height
1,165 mm
45.9 in
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
Power
295 hp
220 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 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 Sport 300
Power
304 hp
227 kW
0-100 km/h4.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
Power
295 hp
220 kW
0-100 km/h5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300 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 Sport 300
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
4.5 s
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
5.9 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 Sport 300
250 hp/t
187 kW/t
4.0 kg/hp
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
205 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 kg/hp
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleLotusEsprit2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300BMWM3 Coupe (E36)GT 3.0
Power
304 hp
227 kW
295 hp
220 kW
Torque
389 Nm
287 lb-ft
323 Nm
238 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.5 s
5.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
280 km/h174 mph
Restricted
270 km/h168 mph
Unrestricted
265 km/h165 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,215 kg
2,679 lb
1,440 kg
3,175 lb
Fuel consumption
11.2 L/100 km
21.0 mpg US
25.2 mpg UK
9.1 L/100 km
25.8 mpg US
31.0 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
200 L
7.1 cu ft
Length
4,390 mm
172.8 in
Height
1,165 mm
45.9 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
4 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
714 km
444 mi
Trunk score
200 L
7.1 cu ft
405 L
14.3 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
250 hp/t
187 kW/t
4.0 kg/hp
205 hp/t
153 kW/t
4.9 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 Sport 300BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0
Consumption11.2 L/100 km21 mpg US25.2 mpg UK9.1 L/100 km25.8 mpg US31 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km19.60 LC100 km15.92 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi31.54 LC100 mi25.63 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,680 L444 US gal370 UK gal1,365 L361 US gal300 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,940 LC/year2,389 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300

  • Has 9 hp more
  • Has 66 Nm more
  • Is 225 kg lighter
  • Is 1.4 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 15 km/h (9 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 45 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Smallest trunk

BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0

  • Uses 2.1 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 63 km (39 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 205 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Lotus Esprit 2.2 i 16V Turbo Sport 300
BMW M3 Coupe (E36) GT 3.0
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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