1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 BMW 120
To start off, 2012 BMW 120 is newer by 24 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 72 more horse power than 2012 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 120 weights approximately 372 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, 2012 BMW 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 120 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1411 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 51 L |
