1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2006 Saturn ION
To start off, 2006 Saturn ION is newer by 20 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 2,199 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2006 Saturn ION. (140 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2006 Saturn ION. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn ION weights approximately 73 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, 2006 Saturn ION, 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Saturn ION. (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Saturn ION. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2006 Saturn ION has manual transmission. 2006 Saturn ION 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 | 2006 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Lotus | Saturn |
| Model | Excel | ION |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 95 L |
