1974 Lotus Elite vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
1974 Lotus Elite | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elite | 240 |
Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2399 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 142 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 177 Nm | 137 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 91 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 92.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 21.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1385 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2800 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 65 L |