1988 BMW 524 vs. 1999 Lotus M250
To start off, 1999 Lotus M250 is newer by 11 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 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Lotus M250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus M250 (247 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus M250 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1999 Lotus M250.
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, 1999 Lotus M250 (321 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 524. (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus M250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 524.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1999 Lotus M250 | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 524 | M250 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1180 mm |
