1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1972 Renault 5
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Renault 5 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 148 more horse power than 1972 Renault 5. (33 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1972 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 456 kg more than 1972 Renault 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Renault 5, 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Renault 5. (53 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1972 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Lotus | Renault |
| Model | Excel | 5 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 53 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
