2008 BMW 318 vs. 1995 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Lotus Esprit (286 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 131 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 Lotus Esprit (354 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1995 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1995 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 265 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1339 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 13.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 73 L |
