1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 BMW 325
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 20 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2008 BMW 325. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 307 kg more than 1988 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 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 325. 2008 BMW 325 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. 2008 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2008 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 325 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 63 L |
