2008 BMW 523 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 27 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 290 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 (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 523 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| 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 | 1490 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 71 L |
