1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1966 Lotus Elan is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,195 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. (78 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220.
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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1951 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | 220 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1951 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 2195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 48 L |
