1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (167 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 709 kg more than 1966 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (251 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | C |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 234 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 | 696 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
