1983 Lotus Excel vs. 1976 Mini MK IV
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mini MK IV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mini MK IV 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 101 more horse power than 1976 Mini MK IV. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1976 Mini MK IV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 490 kg more than 1976 Mini MK IV. 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, 1976 Mini MK IV, 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mini MK IV. (94 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mini MK IV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 1976 Mini MK IV | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Excel | MK IV |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2040 mm |
