2006 BMW 330 vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2006 BMW 330 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 330 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 330 weights approximately 519 kg more than 1985 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, 2006 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 330 | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 330 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
