1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 2012 BMW X1
To start off, 2012 BMW X1 is newer by 31 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 BMW X1. (202 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW X1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X1 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Because 2012 BMW X1 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, 2012 BMW X1 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, 2012 BMW X1 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2012 BMW X1 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. 2012 BMW X1 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 2012 BMW X1 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | X1 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4454 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1798 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1545 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 61 L |
