2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 6 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (190 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C. (136 HP @ 2800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2011 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz C (360 Nm) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (187 Nm). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2005 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2005 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2011 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | C |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2760 mm |
