1961 BMW 502 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1980 Lotus Esprit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,580 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 BMW 502 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1961 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 BMW 502 weights approximately 204 kg more than 1980 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:
| 1961 BMW 502 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 502 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2580 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| 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 | 1410 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
