2002 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2011 BMW 325. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 185 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 325. (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 325. 2011 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Esprit | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 325 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2770 mm |
