2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 448 kg more than 2009 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E. (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mercedes-Benz E.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1971 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
