1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 28 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G (217 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 1300 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.
Because 1996 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz G (300 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G has automatic transmission and 1968 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1968 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz G will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1996 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | G |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
