2002 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 10 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (302 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2002 Lotus Elise. (134 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2002 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 886 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Lotus Elise. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Lotus Elise | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | E |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 756 kg | 1642 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 66 L |
