1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (237 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1998 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 90 L |
