2003 BMW 520 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2003 BMW 520 is newer by 20 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, 2003 BMW 520 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 520 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2170 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.5 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
