1984 Lotus Etna vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Etna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Etna would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Etna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Etna (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (204 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Etna should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL.
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, 1984 Lotus Etna (408 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Etna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1984 Lotus Etna has manual transmission. 1984 Lotus Etna will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1984 Lotus Etna | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Etna | SL |
Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3946 cc | 2799 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Horse Power | 331 HP | 204 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 408 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 73.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.1:1 |
Top Speed | 290 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |