2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. (185 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 619 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 280 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 238 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2460 mm |
