2001 BMW 316 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2001 BMW 316 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2001 BMW 316. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 316 weights approximately 206 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 316 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 67 L |
