1999 Lotus GT 1 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1999 Lotus GT 1 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus GT 1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus GT 1 (573 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 423 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus GT 1 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 310 kg more than 1999 Lotus GT 1.
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, 1999 Lotus GT 1 (390 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL. (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1999 Lotus GT 1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus GT 1 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | GT 1 | SL |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 573 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2080 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
