2009 BMW 135 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 28 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 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1981 Lotus Esprit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1981 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 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit. 2009 BMW 135 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. 2009 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 135 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 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 | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 67 L |
