1959 Lotus Elite vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 40 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1274 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 356 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | S |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3090 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 88 L |
