1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2011 BMW 325. (194 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 325.
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 325 (400 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 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 325 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 325 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 194 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
