1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 20 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 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 16 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, 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. (177 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier. 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier 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. 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Lotus | Chevrolet |
| Model | Excel | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2190 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 88 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1187 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 56 L |
