1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 12 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2010 Mercedes-Benz A. (108 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 2116 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, 2010 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz A (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2010 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | A |
Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1989 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 108 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 250 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 2830 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1600 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |