1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 27 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 23 more horse power than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 384 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Lotus | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Excel | 159 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| 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 | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 70 L |
