1990 Austin Montego vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1990 Austin Montego 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 96 more horse power than 1990 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1990 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 61 kg more than 1990 Austin Montego. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Austin Montego, 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Austin Montego. (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Austin Montego.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Austin Montego | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Austin | Lotus |
| Model | Montego | Excel |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
