1986 Lotus Excel vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1986 Lotus Excel is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE would be higher. At 2,777 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. (168 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 438 kg more than 1986 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | SE |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2777 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 63 L |
