1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 8 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 1565 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.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz R is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz R (511 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | R |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 511 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 2270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3220 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.5 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
