1963 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1963 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1963 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1251 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Lotus Elan. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Lotus Elan | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 594 kg | 1845 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
