1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2010 Volvo S40
To start off, 2010 Volvo S40 is newer by 25 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 2,400 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2010 Volvo S40. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2010 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volvo S40 weights approximately 298 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, 2010 Volvo S40, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Volvo S40. (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Volvo S40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2010 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Lotus | Volvo |
| Model | Excel | S40 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 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 | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 60 L |
