2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart. (94 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart weights approximately 690 kg more than 2008 Lotus Elise.
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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart (185 Nm) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart has automatic transmission and 2008 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2008 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 2001 Mercedes-Benz Smart | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | Smart |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | electric |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3230 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 88 L |
