2008 Ford S-Max vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2008 Ford S-Max is newer by 22 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2008 Ford S-Max. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford S-Max. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford S-Max weights approximately 566 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
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, 2008 Ford S-Max, 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, 2008 Ford S-Max (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford S-Max will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford S-Max has manual transmission. 2008 Ford S-Max will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lotus Excel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford S-Max | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | S-Max | Excel |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1743 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 31 L |
