1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,778 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (168 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 471 kg more than 1969 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, 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 1970 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elan | SL |
Year Released | 1969 | 1970 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2778 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1360 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4290 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |