1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2009 Dodge Nitro is newer by 23 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 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2009 Dodge Nitro. (175 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2009 Dodge Nitro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 683 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Because 2009 Dodge Nitro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Lotus Excel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Nitro will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 2009 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Lotus | Dodge |
| Model | Excel | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
