2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 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 45 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 485 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21. 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | C21 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
