2001 BMW M vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2001 BMW M is newer by 15 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 3,169 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW M (320 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW M should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW M weights approximately 198 kg more than 1986 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, 2001 BMW M (345 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW M has manual transmission. 2001 BMW M 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:
| 2001 BMW M | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M | Excel |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 31 L |
