1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,193 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Lotus Seven (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. (118 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Lotus Seven should accelerate faster than 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 770 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven.
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, 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1961 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seven | SE |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2193 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 65 L |
