2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Lotus Elise would be higher. Both 2001 Lotus Elise and 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (167 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 950 kg more than 2001 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK (245 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Lotus Elise | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | CLK |
Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
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 | 141 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 179 Nm | 245 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1665 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |