1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2011 BMW 530 is newer by 30 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 530 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 530 should accelerate faster 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, 2011 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2011 BMW 530 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. 2011 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 530 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 70 L |
