1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW 118
To start off, 2011 BMW 118 is newer by 31 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2011 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 118 weights approximately 179 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. Let's talk about torque, 2011 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Lotus Esprit | 2011 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 118 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 51 L |
