1998 Lotus Elise vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 15 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (523 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 336 more horse power than 1998 Lotus Elise. (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1131 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL (800 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 607 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Lotus Elise | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | SL |
Year Released | 1998 | 2013 |
Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
Engine Position | Middle | Middle |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 523 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 193 Nm | 800 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4633 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2099 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2585 mm |