2008 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 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 321 more horse power than 2012 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2012 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1043 kg more than 2012 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 540 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
Model | SL | Elise |
Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 5439 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 510 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 720 Nm | 180 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1955 kg | 912 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3785 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1118 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2299 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 44 L |