1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2011 BMW 328
To start off, 2011 BMW 328 is newer by 26 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), 2011 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 328 weights approximately 564 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, 2011 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2011 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Excel | 328 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| 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 | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1783 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 61 L |
