2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (470 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 349 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1104 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz E (700 Nm) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2004 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | E |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 78 L |
