1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1986 Lotus Excel is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa 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 104 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Excel weights approximately 567 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Europa | Excel |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 31 L |
