1958 BMW 503 vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,507 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (350 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1958 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1958 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 BMW 503 weights approximately 120 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 BMW 503. (222 Nm). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 BMW 503 | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 503 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 400 Nm |
| 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 | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 70 L |
