1990 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 Alpina B7
To start off, 2012 Alpina B7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alpina B7 (500 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 328 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alpina B7 weights approximately 965 kg more than 1990 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alpina B7 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alpina B7 will offer significantly more control. 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 Alpina B7 (699 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 478 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit. 2012 Alpina B7 has automatic transmission and 1990 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1990 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Lotus Esprit | 2012 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alpina |
| Model | Esprit | B7 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 172 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 2140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5085 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 3071 mm |
