1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 41 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 544 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (510 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 363 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1966 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1966 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2007 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
