1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 5,401 cc (8 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (177 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1695 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise. 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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 (432 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 432 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 111 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 2400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 120 L |
