Vehicleref
Vehicles
Makes
Types
Years
Countries
Map
Makes
Race Tracks
Game Studios
TV Networks
Showcase
Race Tracks
TV Shows
Games
YouTube
People
Founders
Collectors
Enthusiasts
Image coming soon
Vehicles
›
Make
›
Lotus
›
Model
›
Esprit
1981 Lotus Esprit S3
United Kingdom
Gasoline
2WD
Coupe
Updated Aug 23, 2026
Image coming soon
Specifications
Vehicle Details
Powertrain
Dimensions
Engine & Performance
Dimensions & Weight
Exterior
Interior
Other
Vehicle Details
Year
1981
Make
Lotus
Model
Esprit
Variant
S3
Body Style
Coupe
Generation
S3
Seats
2
Doors
2
Fuel
Gasoline
Drivetrain
2WD
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Powertrain
Engine Name
Manual
Engine Configuration
Inline
Power (hp)
160 hp
Power (kW)
118 kW
Torque
217 Nm (160 lb-ft)
Top speed
217 km/h
(135 mph)
0–60 mph
6.5 seconds
0–100 km/h
7 seconds
Displacement
2,174 cc
Dimensions
Length
4,191 mm
(165.0 in)
Width
1,852 mm
(72.9 in)
Height
1,118 mm
(44.0 in)
Wheelbase
2,438 mm
(96.0 in)
Curb weight
1,067 kg
(2,352 lb)
Engine & Performance
Engine
Engine Specification
Rev. at Max Power
6,500 rpm
Rev. at Max Torque
5,250 rpm
Engine Configuration
Bore
95.3 mm
(3.8 in)
Stroke
76.2 mm
(3.0 in)
Compression Ratio
9.5 :1
Engine Configuration
Inline
Fuel
General
Tank Volume
72 litres
Dimensions & Weight
Exterior
Track, Front
1,511 mm
(59.5 in)
Track, Rear
1,511 mm
(59.5 in)
Ground Clearance
150 mm
(5.9 in)
Weight
Max Roof Load
75 kg
(165 lb)
Exterior
Chassis & Body
Chassis
Chassis
Coupé
Equipment
Other Equipment
Normal Roof
Yes
Interior
Equipment
Instrument Cluster
Odometer Limit
100,000 km/miles
Trunk
Rear Trunk
Yes
Other
Car Classification
Australian Classification
Sports Car
European Segment
S-Segment
Car.info Classification
Sports Car
Esprit
Model
13 variants
€67,000
MSRP · EUR
8.9
Body
Coupe
Variant
Esprit S3
1981–1987
Generation
S3
Year
1981
Powertrain
Manual
Horsepower
160 hp
Drivetrain
2WD
Fuel
Transmission
Manual, 5-speed
Gasoline
CoupeCoupe
2WD
Manual, 5-speed
Gasoline