1971 Lotus Seven vs. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1971 Lotus Seven is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (215 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Seven. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 699 kg more than 1971 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. Let's talk about torque, 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 (275 Nm) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Seven. (92 Nm). This means 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Seven | 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Seven | 300 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1340 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 100 L |
