1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2003 Vector M12
To start off, 2003 Vector M12 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 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Vector M12 weights approximately 459 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.
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, 2003 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2003 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Lotus | Vector |
| Model | Excel | M12 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2750 mm |
