1962 Lotus Elite vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 36 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (204 HP) has 121 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1150 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elite | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | SL |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1215 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 204 HP |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 80 L |
