2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,839 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Mercedes-Benz S (201 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 735 kg more than 2005 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1982 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | S |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
