1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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 10 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 223 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 Volkswagen Passat, 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 Volkswagen Passat (226 Nm) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Lotus | Volkswagen |
| Model | Excel | Passat |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
