1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 44 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 941 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | C |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1796 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 | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| 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 | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
