1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 69 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 Mazda 3, 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 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Excel | 3 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 50 L |
