1988 BMW 524 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (301 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (380 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 524 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
