1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,306 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (149 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 595 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, 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL (196 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1966 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2306 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 52 L |
