1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 4,662 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL (335 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1986 Lotus Excel. (180 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL should accelerate faster than 1986 Lotus Excel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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.
Because 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Lotus Excel. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL will offer significantly more control. 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 GL (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Lotus Excel. (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 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 GL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | GL |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 4662 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 100 L |
