1992 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1992 BMW 316 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1992 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1992 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 316 weights approximately 133 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 316. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW 316 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW 316 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lotus Excel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 316 | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 316 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | 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 | 101 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 31 L |
