2005 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 7 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 540 kg more than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Because 2005 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 2005 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 Lotus Elise (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (155 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Elise | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | A |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 6.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
