1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 35 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Lotus Elan (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1064 kg more than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Because 1969 Lotus Elan is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1969 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2004 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | A |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
