1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2007 Volvo S40
To start off, 2007 Volvo S40 is newer by 24 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo S40 (218 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S40 weights approximately 319 kg more than 1983 Lotus Excel. 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, 2007 Volvo S40, 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, 2007 Volvo S40 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel. 2007 Volvo S40 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. 2007 Volvo S40 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2007 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Excel | S40 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 218 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 240 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 | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
