1983 Lotus Excel vs. 1996 Proton 300
To start off, 1996 Proton 300 is newer by 13 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 72 more horse power than 1996 Proton 300. (88 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1996 Proton 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 95 kg more than 1996 Proton 300. 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, 1996 Proton 300, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Proton 300. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Proton 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 1996 Proton 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Proton |
| Model | Excel | 300 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2450 mm |
