1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (190 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 611 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | SLK |
Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2295 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 190 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 2500 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 | 1325 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4020 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |