2004 BMW 116 vs. 1990 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 BMW 116 is newer by 14 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 57 more horse power than 2004 BMW 116. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 116 weights approximately 105 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 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1990 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 116 | 1990 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 116 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 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 | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
