1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 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 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 631 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, 1989 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | S |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2950 mm |
