1983 Lotus Excel vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 14 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, 1983 Lotus Excel (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (58 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lotus Excel weights approximately 15 kg more than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1983 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1983 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1983 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | A |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 54 L |
