1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2010 BMW 535
To start off, 2010 BMW 535 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 535 weights approximately 793 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.
Because 2010 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Lotus Esprit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2010 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 535 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4856 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2885 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
