1957 BMW 501 vs. 1989 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1989 Lotus Esprit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 501. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 501 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 BMW 501 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Esprit (216 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1957 BMW 501. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 501. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 501 weights approximately 257 kg more than 1989 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, 1989 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 501. (223 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1989 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 501.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 501 | 1989 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 501 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 216 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 1148 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2440 mm |
