1988 BMW 535 vs. 2003 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 225 kg more than 2003 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 2003 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 535 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| 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 | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
