2009 BMW 525 vs. 1987 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 BMW 525 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (172 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1987 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 525 weights approximately 281 kg more than 1987 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, 2009 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 525 | 1987 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 222 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 | 1385 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
