1998 BMW 323 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 BMW 323 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 372 kg more than 1990 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, 1998 BMW 323 (246 Nm) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 323 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 323 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
