2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Elise (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. (102 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo weights approximately 615 kg more than 2003 Lotus Elise.
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 Vaneo, 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, 2003 Lotus Elise (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. (150 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | Vaneo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 121 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 54 L |
