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 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 805 kg more than 2007 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, 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 (260 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise.
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 | 1796 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 72 L |
