1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 23 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 48 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Lotus Excel | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | C |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1796 cc |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 62 L |
