2007 BMW M3 vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2007 BMW M3 is newer by 22 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW M3 weights approximately 484 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, 2007 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW M3 | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | M3 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 66 L |
