1981 BMW 528 vs. 1984 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1984 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 233 kg more than 1984 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Lotus Esprit. (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1984 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 528 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
