1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1961 Triumph TR3
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph TR3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph TR3 would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1961 Triumph TR3. (101 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph TR3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 267 kg more than 1961 Triumph TR3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph TR3. (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph TR3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1961 Triumph TR3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Triumph |
| Model | Excel | TR3 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 904 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 53 L |
