1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 32 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 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 445 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Eclat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 620 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 810 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eclat | SL |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 5982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 605 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
