1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (47 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 321 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 1969 Lotus Elan (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1969 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | Ponton |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2660 mm |
