1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (148 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 465 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
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 C (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (190 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Eclat | C |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 62 L |
