1987 Lotus Esprit vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2011 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 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 311 kg more than 1987 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, 1987 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1987 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Lotus Esprit | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Esprit | 120 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 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 | 172 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 53 L |
