1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 168 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 117 kg more than 1999 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 320. (380 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 320 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 182 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 286 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 57 L |
