2008 BMW Z4 vs. 1991 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 BMW Z4. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1991 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, 1991 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW Z4. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1991 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 1991 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Convertible | 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 | 148 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
