1989 Lotus Elan vs. 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1989 Lotus Elan is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lotus Elan (165 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250. (150 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 (216 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Lotus Elan. (201 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Lotus Elan | 1966 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | 250 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 201 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 82 L |
