1968 Lotus Europa vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Europa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Europa would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Europa. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Europa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 935 kg more than 1968 Lotus Europa. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (260 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Europa. (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Europa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Europa | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Europa | 280 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1470 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1080 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
