1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 20 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 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (161 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 585 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | E |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 68.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
