1986 Lotus Excel vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Lotus Excel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Lotus Excel would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (220 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 293 kg more than 1986 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (265 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 has manual transmission. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Lotus Excel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | 300 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
