1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 36 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 2,683 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 646 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elan | C |
Year Released | 1969 | 2005 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2683 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 161 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 89.9 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 68.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 190 km/hour | 232 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 | 1535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 69 L |