2006 BMW 130 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 BMW 130 is newer by 25 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 130 should accelerate faster 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, 2006 BMW 130 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2006 BMW 130 has automatic transmission and 1981 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 1981 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 130 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 130 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 67 L |
