1981 Ferrari 512 BBi vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (340 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi weights approximately 328 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel. 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, 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 512 BBi | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Ferrari | Lotus |
| Model | 512 BBi | Excel |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2174 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 451 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1499 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 66 L |
