2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 7 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (661 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 541 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 615 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,000 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 832 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | SL |
Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 5980 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 661 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 168 Nm | 1000 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1365 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 5210 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1830 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |