1996 BMW 528 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1996 BMW 528 is newer by 15 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 2,793 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 528 (201 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (159 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 528 weights approximately 628 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, 1996 BMW 528 (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 528 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 528 | Esprit |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 2793 cc | 2174 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 201 HP | 159 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 280 Nm | 221 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1695 kg | 1067 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2490 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |