1980 BMW M5 vs. 2002 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 Lotus Esprit is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,453 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW M5 weights approximately 83 kg more than 2002 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, 1980 BMW M5 (304 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Esprit. (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW M5 | 2002 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M5 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3453 cc | 1974 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 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 | 1391 kg | 1308 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2430 mm |
