1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 SSC Aero
To start off, 2009 SSC Aero is newer by 24 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 6,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 SSC Aero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 SSC Aero (1,062 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 881 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 SSC Aero should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 SSC Aero weights approximately 122 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, 2009 SSC Aero (1,357 Nm @ 5800 RPM) has 1125 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 SSC Aero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2009 SSC Aero | |
| Make | Lotus | SSC |
| Model | Excel | Aero |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 1062 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 1357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 380 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2080 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1090 mm |
