1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 19 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 286 kg more than 1986 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (359 Nm) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Lotus | Nissan |
| Model | Excel | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1463 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 76 L |
