1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2012 Lexus LS
To start off, 2012 Lexus LS 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LS (380 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 199 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus LS weights approximately 852 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, 2012 Lexus LS (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2012 Lexus LS 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. 2012 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2012 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Lotus | Lexus |
| Model | Excel | LS |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 380 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 497 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 2023 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5179 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1875 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3091 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 84 L |
