1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 39 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 1,699 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Lotus Elan (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2007 Mercedes-Benz B. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2007 Mercedes-Benz B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 460 kg more than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Because 1968 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1968 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz B (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2007 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | B |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
