1994 BMW M5 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1994 BMW M5 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 3,795 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 BMW M5 (340 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW M5 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1980 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, 1994 BMW M5 (401 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW M5 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M5 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 401 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 67 L |
