1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,151 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito (120 HP @ 1800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Because 1962 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1962 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito (300 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mercedes-Benz Vito | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | Vito |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2151 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 78 L |
