1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2011 Lexus LFA
To start off, 2011 Lexus LFA is newer by 26 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 4,805 cc (10 cylinders), 2011 Lexus LFA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus LFA (552 HP @ 8700 RPM) has 371 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus LFA should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus LFA weights approximately 309 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, 2011 Lexus LFA (480 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus LFA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2011 Lexus LFA | |
| Make | Lotus | Lexus |
| Model | Excel | LFA |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4805 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 552 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8700 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 325 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4505 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2605 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 73 L |
