1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 26 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 1181 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.
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, 2009 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2009 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Excel | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 2316 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
