1983 Citroen Visa vs. 1985 Lotus Excel

To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Citroen Visa 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 146 more horse power than 1983 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1983 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 431 kg more than 1983 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 1983 Citroen Visa, 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Citroen Visa. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Citroen Visa.

Compare all specifications:

1983 Citroen Visa 1985 Lotus Excel
Make Citroen Lotus
Model Visa Excel
Year Released 1983 1985
Body Type Convertible Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 651 cc 2174 cc
Engine Cylinders 2 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type boxer in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 35 HP 181 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 50 Nm 232 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 5000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 740 kg 1171 kg
Vehicle Length 3700 mm 4380 mm
Vehicle Width 1540 mm 1820 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1020 mm
Wheelbase Size 2440 mm 2490 mm