1991 BMW 518 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1991 BMW 518 is newer by 3 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 28 kg more than 1991 BMW 518. 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 518 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1988 |
| 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 |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| 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 | 1160 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2440 mm |
