2009 BMW 120 vs. 1986 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 23 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 6 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 458 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 2009 BMW 120. (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1986 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 120 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 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 | 154 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 31 L |
