1959 Fairthorpe Zeta vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 462 kg more than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. 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 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta. (217 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fairthorpe Zeta | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Fairthorpe | Lotus |
| Model | Zeta | Excel |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2553 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 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 | 673 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
