2002 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2002 BMW 520 is newer by 22 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 BMW 520 (168 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 520 weights approximately 550 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 520 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1670 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 67 L |
