1949 Allard J2 vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Allard J2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Allard J2 would be higher. At 5,416 cc (8 cylinders), 1949 Allard J2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1949 Allard J2. (158 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1949 Allard J2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 191 kg more than 1949 Allard J2. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Allard J2 | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Allard | Lotus |
| Model | J2 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5416 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.8 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 66 L |
