1983 BMW 323 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1987 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,315 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1983 BMW 323. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 323 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 BMW 323. (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 BMW 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 323 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2315 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1127 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
