1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 29 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 865 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 2012 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Lotus Excel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Excel | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 261 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 | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
