1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1989 Saab 9000
To start off, 1989 Saab 9000 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1989 Saab 9000. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1989 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Saab 9000 weights approximately 279 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, 1989 Saab 9000, 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Saab 9000. (212 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1989 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Lotus | Saab |
| Model | Excel | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 203 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 | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
