1996 BMW 332 vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 332. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 332 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 BMW 332. (323 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 332. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 332 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 332. (350 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 332.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 332 | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 332 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 8.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
