1992 BMW 530 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1992 BMW 530 is newer by 11 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 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 530 weights approximately 499 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.
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, 1992 BMW 530 (309 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 530 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 530 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 309 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 31 L |
