1986 Lotus Excel vs. 1983 Opel Senator
To start off, 1986 Lotus Excel is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1983 Opel Senator. (85 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1983 Opel Senator. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Senator weights approximately 233 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Opel Senator. (193 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Opel Senator.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 1983 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Excel | Senator |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2690 mm |
