1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 41 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 4,266 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1281 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (401 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 263 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1963 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1963 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | S |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4266 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 88 L |
