1977 BMW 320 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1977 BMW 320. (122 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 15 kg more than 1977 BMW 320. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 BMW 320. (160 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 BMW 320.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 320 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 320 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 31 L |
