1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 5,982 cc (12 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (605 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 505 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1964 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 863 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1964 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1964 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1964 Lotus Elan | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elan | SL |
Year Released | 1964 | 2006 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 605 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 138 Nm | 1001 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 93 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1600 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4540 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |