1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 20 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 733 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | SL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
