1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2002 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 2002 TVR Chimaera is newer by 17 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 111 kg more than 2002 TVR Chimaera.
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, 2002 TVR Chimaera (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2002 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Lotus | TVR |
| Model | Excel | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 57 L |
