1965 Lotus Elan vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 4,519 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 (225 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1965 Lotus Elan. (104 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1965 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 975 kg more than 1965 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. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1965 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1965 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Lotus Elan | 1973 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | 450 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 4519 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
