2006 BMW Z4 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2006 BMW Z4 is newer by 26 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 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Lotus Esprit (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2006 BMW Z4. (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW Z4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW Z4 weights approximately 116 kg more than 1980 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, 1980 Lotus Esprit (271 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 BMW Z4. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 BMW Z4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW Z4 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | Z4 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1219 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
