1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1997 Volvo S70
To start off, 1997 Volvo S70 is newer by 12 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 57 more horse power than 1997 Volvo S70. (124 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1997 Volvo S70.
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, 1997 Volvo S70, 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volvo S70. (170 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volvo S70.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1997 Volvo S70 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Excel | S70 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 195 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 Length | 4380 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 68 L |
