1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 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 56 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (104 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 47 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo, 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 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (175 Nm @ 1550 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Excel | Polo |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1088 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
