1996 Lotus Esprit vs. 2009 BMW 545
To start off, 2009 BMW 545 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 545 (328 HP) has 43 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Esprit. (285 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1996 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, 1996 Lotus Esprit (510 Nm) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 545. (450 Nm). This means 1996 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 545. 2009 BMW 545 has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 545 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Esprit | 2009 BMW 545 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 545 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 285 HP | 328 HP |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 265 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2840 mm |
