1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE
To start off, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (118 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE weights approximately 795 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE (189 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1962 Mercedes-Benz SE | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | SE |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 52 L |
