1996 Lotus Elan vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elan. (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 820 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elan. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Lotus Elan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elan. (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elan. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elan | E |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
