1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1969 Lotus Elan is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. (109 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 631 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 (185 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | 300 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 72 L |
