1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 (245 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 894 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 (399 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 500 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 399 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1608 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
