1997 Ford Mustang vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1997 Ford Mustang is newer by 14 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (590 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 430 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 205 kg more than 1997 Ford Mustang.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (728 Nm) has 510 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mustang | Excel |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5400 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 590 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 728 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
