2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (231 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2006 Lotus Elise. (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2006 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 538 kg more than 2006 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 (273 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 300 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 231 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 273 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
