1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 43 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 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 403 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 2136 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 484 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | CL |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 6208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
