1997 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 14 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. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (210 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1997 Lotus Elise. (117 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1997 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1136 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz E (542 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Lotus Elise. (169 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Lotus Elise. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E has automatic transmission and 1997 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1997 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Lotus Elise | 2011 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 117 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1841 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
