2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. (188 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 595 kg more than 2007 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 300 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3080 mm |
