1992 BMW 540 vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 540 would be higher. At 3,980 cc (8 cylinders), 1992 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1992 BMW 540. (282 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 540. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 540 weights approximately 310 kg more than 2002 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, both vehicles can yield 400 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 540 | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 540 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3980 cc | 3504 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2430 mm |
