1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2004 BMW 320
To start off, 2004 BMW 320 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 320 (174 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 320 weights approximately 511 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 320. (211 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 320. 2004 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1987 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1987 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2004 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 320 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
