2008 BMW 550 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 BMW 550 is newer by 19 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (216 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1989 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 582 kg more than 1989 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, 2008 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Esprit. (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 550 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2440 mm |
