1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2010 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2010 Mini Cooper is newer by 27 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, 2010 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mini Cooper weights approximately 160 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, 2010 Mini Cooper, 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, 2010 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2010 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2010 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Lotus | Mini |
| Model | Excel | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3713 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1407 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2466 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 50 L |
