2006 Ford E-250 vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2006 Ford E-250 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford E-250 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford E-250 weights approximately 47 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford E-250, 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, 2006 Ford E-250 (388 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford E-250 | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | E-250 | Excel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 388 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3510 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 132 L | 31 L |
