1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 37 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lotus Elan (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 730 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz E (271 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 65 L |
