1980 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW 550
To start off, 2011 BMW 550 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 550 weights approximately 751 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.
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 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 338 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 550 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 550 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 550 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1219 kg | 1970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2969 mm |
