1995 BMW 317 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1995 BMW 317 is newer by 14 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1995 BMW 317. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1995 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 BMW 317 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 BMW 317. (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 BMW 317.
Compare all specifications:
1995 BMW 317 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 317 | Esprit |
Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1665 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1120 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |