1983 Lotus Excel vs. 1977 Mazda 323
To start off, 1983 Lotus Excel is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mazda 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mazda 323 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 116 more horse power than 1977 Mazda 323. (44 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1977 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 323 kg more than 1977 Mazda 323. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Mazda 323. (69 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 1977 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Excel | 323 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 69 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 64 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 812 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
