2004 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2004 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 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 40 more horse power than 2004 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2004 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 385 kg more than 2004 Lotus Elise. 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lotus Elise. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Elise | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Excel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 31 L |
