2002 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL would be higher. At 5,786 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (367 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1149 kg more than 2002 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL (530 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2002 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2002 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | CL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 367 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 6.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2970 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 88 L |
