1986 Lotus Excel vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 25 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 66 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz B. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Excel should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 133 kg more than 1986 Lotus Excel.
Because 1986 Lotus Excel is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1986 Lotus Excel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1986 Lotus Excel (224 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mercedes-Benz B. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Excel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mercedes-Benz B. 1986 Lotus Excel has automatic transmission and 2011 Mercedes-Benz B has manual transmission. 2011 Mercedes-Benz B 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 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Excel | B |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 184 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1020 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 54 L |
