1988 BMW 316 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1988 BMW 316 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1988 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 316 weights approximately 705 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW 316. (127 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 316 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
