1985 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 BMW 335
To start off, 2012 BMW 335 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 335 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 335 (320 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 335 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 335 weights approximately 747 kg more than 1985 Lotus Esprit. 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, 2012 BMW 335 (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 335 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Esprit | 2012 BMW 335 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 335 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 320 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 Weight | 1068 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1372 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 57 L |
