2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,996 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (228 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 842 kg more than 2005 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (300 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | C |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2996 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 242 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1692 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 66 L |
