1952 BMW 501 vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 BMW 501 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1952 BMW 501. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1952 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 BMW 501 weights approximately 218 kg more than 1984 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 BMW 501 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 501 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 6.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1560 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2490 mm |
