2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 5 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 834 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | C |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.4 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 62 L |
