1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 32 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), 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 401 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK (234 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elan | SLK |
Year Released | 1969 | 2001 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
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 | 118 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 234 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1290 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 70 L |