2005 Lotus Elise vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 695 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 (260 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 1993 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 280 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| 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 | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
