2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mercedes-Benz V. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mercedes-Benz V would be higher. At 2,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Mercedes-Benz V. (139 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1996 Mercedes-Benz V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V weights approximately 1046 kg more than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Because 2009 Lotus Elise is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Lotus Elise. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Mercedes-Benz V (211 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V has automatic transmission and 2009 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 2009 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz V will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1996 Mercedes-Benz V | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | V |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 3010 mm |
