1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 24 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 6,208 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (451 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 270 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1661 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 368 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | C |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 6208 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 451 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 66 L |
