1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 254 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Excel | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 61 L |
