2003 Ford Mondeo vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2003 Ford Mondeo is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mondeo. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 219 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Because 1985 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 1985 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mondeo, 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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Mondeo. (175 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mondeo | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Mondeo | Excel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 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 | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.7 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2490 mm |
