2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, both 2003 Lotus Elise and 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 372 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1205 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2003 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2003 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 80 L |
