1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240
To start off, 1997 Lotus Elise is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 would be higher. At 2,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (72 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise 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 860 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240. (137 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 240 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
