1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2008 BMW 320
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 27 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1981 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, 2008 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2008 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 320 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 63 L |
