2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,839 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. (201 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 635 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, 1983 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1983 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1983 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
