1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 458 kg more than 1984 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 120 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| 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 | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.3 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 53 L |
