2008 Lotus Elise vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 3 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2008 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 2008 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 555 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK (359 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lotus Elise. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Lotus Elise | 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Elise | SLK |
Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 300 HP |
Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 359 Nm |
Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
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 | 1505 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4102 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1788 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1298 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2431 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |