1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 38 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 274 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 383 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2007 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 98.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 80 L |
