1985 Lotus Excel vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 869 kg more than 1985 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1985 Lotus Excel has manual transmission. 1985 Lotus Excel will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 2040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 88 L |
