2003 BMW 525 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2003 BMW 525 is newer by 22 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 BMW 525. (184 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 525 weights approximately 365 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 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 525. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 525 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 184 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 71 L |
