2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK (228 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 SLK (300 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | SLK |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 70 L |
