2009 BMW 135 vs. 1980 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 29 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), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (208 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1980 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 319 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1980 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 135 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 2172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 67 L |
