1964 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 45 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 2,148 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (169 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 635 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Lotus Elan. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | C |
| Year Released | 1964 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2148 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.7 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 66 L |
