1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Saturn Aura
To start off, 2009 Saturn Aura 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 3,563 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Aura is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Aura (252 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Aura should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Aura weights approximately 150 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, 2009 Saturn Aura, 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, 2009 Saturn Aura (340 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Aura will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel. 2009 Saturn Aura 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. 2009 Saturn Aura will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2009 Saturn Aura | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Excel | Aura |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3563 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 61 L |
