1982 BMW 323 vs. 1983 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1982 BMW 323. (148 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 BMW 323 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 BMW 323 | 1983 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 158 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 31 L |
