1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 37 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (161 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 872 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 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 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1572 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 65 L |
