2003 BMW 330 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 BMW 330 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2003 BMW 330. (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 330 weights approximately 352 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2003 BMW 330 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW 330 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 BMW 330 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 330 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 330 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
