1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW X5
To start off, 2011 BMW X5 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW X5 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW X5 weights approximately 1130 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 2011 BMW X5 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, 2011 BMW X5 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, 2011 BMW X5 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2011 BMW X5 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 X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2011 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | X5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| 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 | 158 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2934 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 85 L |
