1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 23 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 138 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, 2011 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 51 L |
