1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2011 Suzuki SX4
To start off, 2011 Suzuki SX4 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 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 48 more horse power than 2011 Suzuki SX4. (133 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2011 Suzuki SX4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Suzuki SX4 weights approximately 229 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, 2011 Suzuki SX4, 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, 2011 Suzuki SX4 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Suzuki SX4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2011 Suzuki SX4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Suzuki |
| Model | Excel | SX4 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11:01 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1605 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 50 L |
