1990 Lotus Elan vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1990 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1990 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 515 kg more than 1990 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2000 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2000 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2000 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Lotus Elan. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1990 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1990 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1990 Lotus Elan | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elan | C |
Year Released | 1990 | 2000 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2597 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 163 HP | 168 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 204 Nm | 241 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |