2009 BMW 520 vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2009 BMW 520 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 BMW 520. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 520 weights approximately 408 kg more than 1986 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, 2009 BMW 520 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lotus Excel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 520 | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | BMW | Lotus |
| Model | 520 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1177 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 | 31 L |
