1979 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 BMW 325
To start off, 2012 BMW 325 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 325 (217 HP) has 57 more horse power than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
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, 2012 BMW 325 (450 Nm) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Lotus Esprit | 2012 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 325 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 217 HP |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
