1998 Dodge Viper vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 1998 Dodge Viper is newer by 12 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 8,001 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Viper (450 HP) has 270 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Excel weights approximately 120 kg more than 1998 Dodge Viper.
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, 1998 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 440 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm). This means 1998 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Viper 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:
| 1998 Dodge Viper | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Dodge | Lotus |
| Model | Viper | Excel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8001 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 180 HP |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 31 L |
