1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1968 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, 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 (236 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1969 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | 250 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
