1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2001 BMW Z8
To start off, 2001 BMW Z8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z8 weights approximately 397 kg more than 1988 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, 2001 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2001 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2001 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 73 L |
