2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (156 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK weights approximately 820 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK (460 Nm) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | CLK |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 806 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.5 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |
