1986 Lotus Excel vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 13 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 378 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 1999 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | CLK |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
