1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 187 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin-Healey 100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Lotus |
| Model | 100 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 206 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 | 948 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
