1982 BMW 323 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP) has 67 more horse power than 1982 BMW 323. (148 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1988 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 32 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 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 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1988 |
| 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 | 215 HP |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 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 | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 31 L |
