1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 44 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (383 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 283 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1964 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 392 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | CL |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
