2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (113 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 460 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 (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300. (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | 300 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
