1996 Lotus Elise vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 3,997 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (246 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1996 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1285 kg more than 1996 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz S (560 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 391 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Lotus Elise. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1996 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1996 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Lotus Elise | 2002 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | S |
Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 246 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 169 Nm | 560 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.9 seconds | 7.8 seconds |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1990 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5170 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2970 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 88 L |