1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 407 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 525 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 493 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
