2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2008 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 730 kg more than 2008 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | C |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.2 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 62 L |
