1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 14 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (134 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano (310 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 2012 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | Viano |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 2830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3210 mm |
