1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1990 Holden Nova
To start off, 1990 Holden Nova is newer by 5 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP) has 100 more horse power than 1990 Holden Nova. (81 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1990 Holden Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 156 kg more than 1990 Holden Nova. 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, 1990 Holden Nova, 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 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Holden Nova. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Holden Nova. 1990 Holden Nova 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. 1990 Holden Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1990 Holden Nova | |
| Make | Lotus | Holden |
| Model | Excel | Nova |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 81 HP |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2440 mm |
