1972 BMW Turbo vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW Turbo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW Turbo would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1972 BMW Turbo. (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW Turbo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 136 kg more than 1972 BMW Turbo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW Turbo. (177 Nm). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW Turbo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW Turbo | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Turbo | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 984 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
