1989 BMW 518 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 BMW 518 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (215 HP) has 101 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518.
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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (405 Nm) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 518 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 518 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 215 HP |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 405 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
