2003 BMW 318 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 13 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2003 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 125 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, 1990 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 318. (167 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2440 mm |
