1960 Lotus Elite vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 45 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (142 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 843 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | C |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 62 L |
