1983 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Beta 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 46 more horse power than 1983 Lancia Beta. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1983 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lancia Beta weights approximately 24 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, 1983 Lancia Beta, 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lancia Beta. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Beta | Excel |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 217 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 | 1195 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 66 L |
