1983 Lotus Excel vs. 1988 Saab 900
To start off, 1988 Saab 900 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Excel 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 59 more horse power than 1988 Saab 900. (101 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1988 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 900 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1983 Lotus Excel.
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, 1988 Saab 900, 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 1988 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Excel | 900 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2530 mm |
