1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 31 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 2,146 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 840 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | C |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2146 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 69 L |
