1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is newer by 13 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 389 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel. 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, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 1998 Pontiac Bonneville (306 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville 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. 1998 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1998 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Lotus | Pontiac |
| Model | Excel | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 68 L |
