1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 47 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan.
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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | SL |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4582 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1298 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
