1974 Lotus Elite vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 31 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 3,994 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1974 Lotus Elite. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1974 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 775 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (571 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1974 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1974 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Elite | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | E |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 3994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 571 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 80 L |
