1999 Lotus Elise vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1999 Lotus Elise. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1999 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 987 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Lotus Elise. (165 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Lotus Elise. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1999 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1999 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Elise | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | C |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| 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 | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 708 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.3 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
