1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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 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 2009 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 76 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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. 2009 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2009 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Excel | Golf |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1896 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 | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
