1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2003 Vauxhall Vectra
To start off, 2003 Vauxhall Vectra is newer by 18 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 2,956 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Vauxhall Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2003 Vauxhall Vectra. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2003 Vauxhall Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vauxhall Vectra weights approximately 419 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, 2003 Vauxhall Vectra, 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, 2003 Vauxhall Vectra (370 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Vauxhall Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2003 Vauxhall Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Vauxhall |
| Model | Excel | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1510 mm |
