2009 Chevrolet Malibu vs. 1986 Lotus Excel
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is newer by 23 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 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (167 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Malibu weights approximately 377 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, 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. (160 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Malibu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Malibu | 1986 Lotus Excel | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Lotus |
| Model | Malibu | Excel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2399 cc | 2174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 10.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1554 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1020 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 31 L |
