1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 23 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 22 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 394 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel. 2006 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Excel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1529 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
