1999 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1999 Lotus Elise is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 772 kg more than 1999 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 230 (206 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 230 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 72 L |
