1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 480 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 194 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 SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 768 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | SL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 661 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 320 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 | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 80 L |
