1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 BMW 650
To start off, 2012 BMW 650 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 650 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 650 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 650 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 650 weights approximately 867 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.
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 650 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 311 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 650 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 650 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 650 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4894 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1894 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1369 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2855 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
