1975 BMW 520 vs. 2004 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1975 BMW 520. (123 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 10 kg more than 1975 BMW 520. 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 520. (172 Nm @ 4350 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 520 | 2004 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 241 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4350 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2430 mm |
