1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 2,685 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. (167 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 991 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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 E (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
