1986 Lotus Excel vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 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 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 583 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL has manual transmission. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1993 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
