2004 BMW 525 vs. 1988 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 BMW 525 is newer by 16 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 525 (189 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1988 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 525 weights approximately 588 kg more than 1988 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit. 2004 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 1988 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1988 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 525 | 1988 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 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 | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1764 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2440 mm |
