1968 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 41 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 5,460 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1968 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1968 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1980 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Lotus Elan. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Lotus Elan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
