1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1046 kg more than 1998 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 1993 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | SL |
Year Released | 1998 | 1993 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1760 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |