1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 686 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 E (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2840 mm |
