2004 BMW 118 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2004 BMW 118 is newer by 21 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 33 more horse power than 2004 BMW 118. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 118 weights approximately 200 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 BMW 118. 2004 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 118 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 118 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
