1998 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 17 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 75 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 318 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
Make | BMW | Lotus |
Model | 318 | Esprit |
Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 140 HP | 208 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 277 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4200 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1120 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 71 L |