2004 BMW 120 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 BMW 120. (141 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 268 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 120 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
