1996 BMW 540 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 667 kg more than 1989 Lotus Esprit. 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 540 | Esprit |
Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 216 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 298 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 1148 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2440 mm |