1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 BMW X5
To start off, 2002 BMW X5 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,619 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW X5 (329 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW X5 weights approximately 974 kg more than 1980 Lotus Esprit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 BMW X5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2002 BMW X5 (480 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2002 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2002 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | X5 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 4619 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 329 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 2180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 93 L |
