1971 Austin 1800 vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Austin 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Austin 1800 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1971 Austin 1800. (86 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1971 Austin 1800. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Austin 1800 weights approximately 23 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Because 1985 Lotus Excel is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Austin 1800, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Austin 1800. (140 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Austin 1800.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Austin 1800 | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | 1800 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.3 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 66 L |
