2006 Hyundai Sonata vs. 1985 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2006 Hyundai Sonata is newer by 21 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 3,343 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Hyundai Sonata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Hyundai Sonata (235 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster 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, 2006 Hyundai Sonata, 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 Hyundai Sonata (306 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Hyundai Sonata | 1985 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Hyundai | Lotus |
| Model | Sonata | Excel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3343 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.8 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 66 L |
