1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 29 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (221 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 917 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (315 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | S |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3199 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 240 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1806 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 88 L |
