2009 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Lotus Esprit
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 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 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2009 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 305 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, 2009 BMW 318 (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lotus Esprit. (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 318 | 1981 Lotus Esprit | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Esprit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| 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 | 141 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 71 L |
