2004 BMW 730 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2004 BMW 730 is newer by 24 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 BMW 730 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 730 (225 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (210 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 730 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 730 weights approximately 571 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, 2004 BMW 730 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 730 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit. 2004 BMW 730 has automatic transmission and 1980 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1980 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 730 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 730 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 730 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1790 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2440 mm |
