1990 Ford Probe vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1990 Ford Probe is newer by 4 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 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1990 Ford Probe. (108 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Probe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Probe weights approximately 73 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Probe, 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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Probe. (179 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Probe. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 1990 Ford Probe has manual transmission. 1990 Ford Probe will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lotus Excel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Probe | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Probe | Excel |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2490 mm |
