1986 Lotus Excel vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 4 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 438 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | 500 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2810 mm |
