1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 1999 Lotus Elise and 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 957 kg more than 1999 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | CLK |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1665 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
