1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 28 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 399 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (350 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Lotus | BMW |
| Model | Excel | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 60 L |
