1990 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 26 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider. (166 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Lotus |
| Model | Spider | Excel |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 66 L |
