1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2010 Alpina B3
To start off, 2010 Alpina B3 is newer by 25 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Alpina B3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Alpina B3 (355 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alpina B3 weights approximately 389 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.
Because 2010 Alpina B3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Lotus Excel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alpina B3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2010 Alpina B3 (500 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Alpina B3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2010 Alpina B3 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. 2010 Alpina B3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2010 Alpina B3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alpina |
| Model | Excel | B3 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2730 mm |
