1962 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 45 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elan.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Lotus Elan | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | SLK |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |
