1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2004 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2004 Nissan Altima is newer by 19 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Nissan Altima. (170 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2004 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Altima weights approximately 238 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, 2004 Nissan Altima, 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, 2004 Nissan Altima (237 Nm) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2004 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Excel | Altima |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 76 L |
