2003 Lancia Thesis vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2003 Lancia Thesis 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lancia Thesis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 Lancia Thesis. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2003 Lancia Thesis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lancia Thesis weights approximately 649 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 Lancia Thesis, 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, 2003 Lancia Thesis (306 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Lancia Thesis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2003 Lancia Thesis has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lancia Thesis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lancia Thesis | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Lancia | Lotus |
| Model | Thesis | Excel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 66 L |
