1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 40 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 750 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (271 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
