1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1996 Volvo 960
To start off, 1996 Volvo 960 is newer by 11 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 2,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volvo 960 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1996 Volvo 960. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1996 Volvo 960. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Volvo 960 weights approximately 329 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Volvo 960 (233 Nm @ 4550 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Volvo 960 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1996 Volvo 960 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Excel | 960 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2780 mm |
