1997 Lotus Elise vs. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, both 1997 Lotus Elise and 1997 Mercedes-Benz A were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Lotus Elise (117 HP) has 58 more horse power than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 415 kg more than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Because 1997 Lotus Elise 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 1997 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1997 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 1997 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | A |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 54 L |
