2008 BMW 525 vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2008 BMW 525 is newer by 23 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 525 weights approximately 489 kg more than 1985 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, 2008 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 525 | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 525 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
