2004 BMW Z4 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 BMW Z4 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW Z4 (225 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW Z4 weights approximately 291 kg more than 1987 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 Z4 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW Z4 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 222 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.1 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 16.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
