1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2002 BMW Z8
To start off, 2002 BMW Z8 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 4,939 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 BMW Z8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW Z8 (400 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW Z8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW Z8 weights approximately 518 kg more than 1981 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, 2002 BMW Z8 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 279 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW Z8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2002 BMW Z8 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | Z8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 4.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 14.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 73 L |
