1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 46 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1136 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 372 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | CLK |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
