1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 49 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. Both 1963 Lotus Elan and 2012 Mercedes-Benz A are equipped with a 1,498 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Lotus Elan (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (94 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 631 kg more than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Because 1963 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | A |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 69.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
