1971 Lotus Elan vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. (125 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1988 Mercedes-Benz G. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 1010 kg more than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Because 1988 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Mercedes-Benz G (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 1988 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | G |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 80.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
