1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2012 Aston Martin DBS
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin DBS is newer by 26 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin DBS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (510 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin DBS should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin DBS weights approximately 633 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, 2012 Aston Martin DBS (569 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin DBS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 2012 Aston Martin DBS | |
| Make | Lotus | Aston Martin |
| Model | Excel | DBS |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 569 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4719 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1905 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2741 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
