1983 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is newer by 26 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1983 Lotus Excel. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1983 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL weights approximately 1310 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 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1983 Lotus Excel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Excel. (218 Nm @ 5250 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Excel. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Excel | 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | GL |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1135 kg | 2445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 14.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 100 L |
