2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 962 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (470 Nm) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 882 kg | 1844 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 80 L |
