1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 1997 Lotus Elise and 2006 Mercedes-Benz C are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (162 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 990 kg more than 1997 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
