1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 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 59 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1172 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Excel | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 183 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 | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 55 L |
