1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2005 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2005 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 204 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel.
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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 BMW 316. (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 BMW 316. 2005 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2005 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Excel | 316 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 63 L |
