2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (53 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 515 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, 2005 Lotus Elise (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 200 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 130 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 31 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
