1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 696 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Lotus Elan | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elan | SLK |
Year Released | 1963 | 2003 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 78.7 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 70 L |