1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (62 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 245 kg more than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (88 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Alfasud | Excel |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1186 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 31 L |
