1988 BMW M5 vs. 1999 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,533 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW M5 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (542 Nm) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M5. (360 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M5 | 1999 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M5 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3533 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 311 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 253 km/hour | 268 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1733 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
