2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. Both 2009 Lotus Elise and 2003 Mercedes-Benz E are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (167 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 838 kg more than 2009 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.3 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 70 L |
