1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1971 Lotus Elan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. (104 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 486 kg more than 1971 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz E (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1968 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
