1994 Lancia Thema vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1994 Lancia Thema is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1994 Lancia Thema. (153 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1994 Lancia Thema. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Lancia Thema weights approximately 227 kg more than 1983 Lotus Excel.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Lancia Thema, 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Lancia Thema. (178 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Lancia Thema.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lancia Thema | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thema | Excel |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2520 mm |
