2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 would be higher. At 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (93 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 weights approximately 376 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 (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 200 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 200 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 65 L |
