2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz B
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz B is newer by 2 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz B is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz B (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz B should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz B weights approximately 595 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.
Because 2003 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz B (180 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz B will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mercedes-Benz B | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | B |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2034 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 54 L |
