2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS would be higher. At 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (218 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise.
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 CLS (531 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 319 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | CLS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 531 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
