2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 20 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Lotus Excel weights approximately 321 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 1985 Lotus Excel (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1985 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Lotus | Lotus |
| Model | Elise | Excel |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1985 |
| 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 | 189 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1171 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 66 L |
