1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK 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 2,597 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (160 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 945 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | CLK |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
