1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 112 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Lotus Excel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Excel | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
