I would like to start brewing coffee but I'm confused between a moka pot and an espresso machine.

Most people here suggest getting Bialetti Moka Pot but it costs 3500. Can't I add a couple thousand and get an espresso machine instead? Also, what does the cup size for Moka Pot refer to? How many mls of espresso can I expect in 3 cups? Also, if I want less volume, do I just need to reduce the amount of water and ground beans or is it fixed? How exactly does the mechanism work?