1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2012 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Sentra 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Sentra. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 249 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 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2012 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2012 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Excel | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1511 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 55 L |
