1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 23 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2008 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2008 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | S |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 181 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 90 L |
