2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 6 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. At 6,206 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (507 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 387 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise.
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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 463 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 2001 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2001 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | CLS |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 6206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 507 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 631 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 102.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
