1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2005 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2005 Opel Vectra 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 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 81 more horse power than 2005 Opel Vectra. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2005 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Vectra weights approximately 333 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, 2005 Opel Vectra, 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, 2005 Opel Vectra (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra has manual transmission. 2005 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Lotus | Opel |
| Model | Excel | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 60 L |
