1960 Lotus Elite vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 49 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 3,498 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 197 more horse power than 1960 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1960 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 744 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Lotus Elite. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1960 Lotus Elite has manual transmission. 1960 Lotus Elite will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Lotus Elite | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elite | C |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1216 cc | 3498 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.2 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 582 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 29 L | 66 L |
