1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 21 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Lotus Excel (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (161 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 614 kg more than 1985 Lotus Excel.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | SLK |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 65 L |
