1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 43 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 1191 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK (240 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1963 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elan | SLK |
Year Released | 1963 | 2006 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1794 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 | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 85 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1785 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |