2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 7,291 cc (12 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 5550 RPM) has 329 more horse power than 2007 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2007 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1100 kg more than 2007 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (766 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 586 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Lotus Elise. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2007 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2007 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | SL |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 7291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 518 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5550 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 766 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 2050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
