1998 BMW 318 vs. 1982 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 328 kg more than 1982 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, 1982 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1982 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1982 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1982 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1982 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.2 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
