1971 Lotus Elan vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 38 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1971 Lotus Elan. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1971 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 456 kg more than 1971 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lotus Elan. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lotus Elan. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1971 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1971 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lotus Elan | 2009 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 92.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 80 L |
