2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (618 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 429 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 875 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 600 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lotus Elise | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | SLR McLaren |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 5439 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 618 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 780 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 332 km/hour |
| 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 | 1825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 97 L |
