1988 BMW 535 vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1988 BMW 535 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 535 (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1982 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 463 kg more than 1982 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 535 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 31 L |
