2001 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz R
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R is newer by 10 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (141 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz R weights approximately 1530 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.
Because 2011 Mercedes-Benz R is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Lotus Elise. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz R (349 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Elise. (179 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz R will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Elise. 2011 Mercedes-Benz R 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz R will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Elise | 2011 Mercedes-Benz R | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | R |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 349 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5156 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1958 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1661 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3216 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
