1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 143 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6, 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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda 6 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lotus Excel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Excel | 6 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 64 L |
