1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is newer by 16 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (134 HP) has 26 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 788 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, 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 (205 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | 230 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 72 L |
