2004 BMW 116 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 BMW 116 is newer by 23 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2004 BMW 116. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 116 weights approximately 213 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 116. (153 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 116 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 116 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 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 | 1280 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
