2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (255 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW Z4 weights approximately 506 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (353 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 264 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
