1991 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1991 Chevrolet Nova 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 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (200 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Chevrolet Nova should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 261 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.
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, 1991 Chevrolet Nova (407 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1991 Chevrolet Nova 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 Nova has manual transmission. 1991 Chevrolet Nova 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 Nova | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Nova | Excel |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5025 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.4 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.5 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1438 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2490 mm |
