2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 63 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,208 cc (6 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 1000 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 320 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3310 mm |
