1969 Lotus Elan vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 43 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 6,000 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (621 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 513 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1605 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz S (999 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 852 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 2012 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | S |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 6000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 621 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 999 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 2305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 90 L |
