1987 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (192 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1983 Lotus Excel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | 164 | Excel |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 192 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
