1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1993 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1993 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 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 @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 39 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, 1993 Volkswagen Passat, 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1993 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Excel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
