2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 57 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S weights approximately 414 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Lotus Elise (187 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2006 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 170S |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1949 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 896 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 47 L |
