2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S
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 S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. (154 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 610 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz S (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 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 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | S |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2950 mm |
