1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (389 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1185 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz S (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Eclat has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Eclat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1996 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eclat | S |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 570 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2890 mm |
