1961 BMW 700 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1961 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 528 kg more than 1961 BMW 700. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 700 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 700 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Middle |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 31 L |
