1991 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1991 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 5 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chevrolet Astro (183 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 719 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.
Because 1991 Chevrolet Astro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Lotus Excel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Astro will offer significantly more control. 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, 1991 Chevrolet Astro (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 1991 Chevrolet Astro has manual transmission. 1991 Chevrolet Astro 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:
| 1991 Chevrolet Astro | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Astro | Excel |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4293 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2490 mm |
