1968 Lotus Elan vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112 is newer by 31 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 5,987 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112 (403 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112 should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112 weights approximately 720 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112 (580 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 1999 Mercedes-Benz C 112 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | C 112 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 580 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2710 mm |
