1959 Lotus Elite vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1205 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1959 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1959 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Lotus Elite | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | E |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 80 L |
