1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1981 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Gamma 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 65 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Gamma. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Gamma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 149 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel.
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, 1981 Lancia Gamma, 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Gamma. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Gamma. 1981 Lancia Gamma has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Lancia Gamma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1981 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | Lotus | Lancia |
| Model | Excel | Gamma |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 59 L |
