2005 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (493 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 276 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (217 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 995 kg more than 2012 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm) has 490 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | SL | Elise |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1921 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 44 L |
