1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1985 Lotus Excel is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona 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 100 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (81 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 106 kg more than 1982 Opel Ascona. 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, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (131 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Excel | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 40 L |
