1986 BMW 316 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP) has 178 more horse power than 1986 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 259 kg more than 1986 BMW 316. 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 264 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
