1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2003 BMW 330
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 15 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 330 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 364 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.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 BMW 330 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2003 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2003 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 330 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
