1957 BMW 503 vs. 2005 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2005 Lotus Esprit is newer by 48 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,506 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Esprit (349 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1957 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 BMW 503 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 503 | 2005 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 503 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3506 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 349 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 73 L |
