2008 Ford Focus vs. 1983 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 25 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, 2008 Ford Focus (171 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 148 kg more than 1983 Lotus Excel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (196 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1983 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Focus | Excel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.9 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1283 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 31 L |
