1966 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK (474 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1966 Lotus Elan. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1966 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 1059 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 CLK (631 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 484 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Lotus Elan. 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 CLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | CLK |
| 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 | 474 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| 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 | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 62 L |
