1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 BMW 118
To start off, 2010 BMW 118 is newer by 29 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 15 more horse power than 2010 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 118 weights approximately 220 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 BMW 118. (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 BMW 118.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2010 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 118 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| 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 | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 51 L |
