2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 283 kg more than 1986 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 Z4 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
