1961 Lotus Seven vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1961 Lotus Seven. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1961 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 1164 kg more than 1961 Lotus Seven. 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. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1961 Lotus Seven has manual transmission. 1961 Lotus Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Lotus Seven | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seven | 380 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 432 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3360 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 90 L |
