1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 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 3,724 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (242 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 584 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Lotus Excel | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Excel | SL |
Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2174 cc | 3724 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 181 HP | 242 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 232 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 84 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 | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1755 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |