2003 Lotus Elise vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 10 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 5,500 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (511 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 390 more horse power than 2003 Lotus Elise. (121 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 1120 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS (700 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 525 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Lotus Elise. (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Lotus Elise | 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | CLS |
Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | W |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 121 HP | 511 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 175 Nm | 700 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 98 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4996 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2075 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1406 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2874 mm |