1990 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 4 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 13 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
