1960 Lotus Elite vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 978 kg more than 1960 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz E (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 1998 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | E |
| Year Released | 1960 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 70 L |
