2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 810 kg more than 2002 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Lotus Elise | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | 280 |
Year Released | 2002 | 1974 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2744 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 238 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78.8 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1560 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4760 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2830 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 90 L |