1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (219 HP) has 136 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 880 kg more than 1962 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1962 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1962 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | 380 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 219 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 90 L |
