2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2010 Lotus Elise. (433 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2010 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 74 kg more than 2010 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (720 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Lotus Elise. (489 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | SL | Elise |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 433 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 720 Nm | 489 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.9 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 19.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 86 L |
