1971 Jensen Interceptor 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 Jensen Interceptor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Jensen Interceptor would be higher. At 6,286 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Jensen Interceptor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Jensen Interceptor (300 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Jensen Interceptor should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Jensen Interceptor weights approximately 643 kg more than 1985 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, 1971 Jensen Interceptor (556 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Jensen Interceptor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 1971 Jensen Interceptor has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Jensen Interceptor will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Jensen Interceptor | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Jensen | Lotus |
| Model | Interceptor | Excel |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6286 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 108 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1814 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 66 L |
