1985 Lotus Excel vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 26 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 4,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (429 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 248 more horse power than 1985 Lotus Excel. (181 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1985 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 924 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.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Lotus Excel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL (699 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 467 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Lotus Excel. (232 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Lotus Excel. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Lotus Excel | 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | CL |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 429 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 699 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 2095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 90 L |
