1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1986 Lotus Excel is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 223 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel. 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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Corvette | Excel |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 31 L |
