1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 21 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Excel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Excel (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 363 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2007 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | C |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 219 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
