2008 BMW 318 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 25 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 12 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 260 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (201 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 318 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| 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 | 148 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 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 | 219 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 31 L |
