1998 BMW 316 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 BMW 316 is newer by 10 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 (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1998 BMW 316. (106 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 316 weights approximately 74 kg more than 1988 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 316. (165 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 316 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
