1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (323 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1176 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 (450 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1989 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. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | 500 |
Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
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 | 323 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1890 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |