1999 BMW Z9 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 1999 BMW Z9 is newer by 18 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 3,901 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 BMW Z9 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW Z9 (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW Z9 should accelerate faster 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, 1999 BMW Z9 (560 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW Z9 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW Z9 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z9 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3901 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 5010 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2440 mm |
