1989 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 BMW 525
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 512 kg more than 1989 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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 2008 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1989 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1989 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Esprit | 2008 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 525 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1148 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2890 mm |
