1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 1,897 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 441 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A. (185 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | A |
Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1897 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 123 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1155 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3610 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1590 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2430 mm |