2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL
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 SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,513 cc (12 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 321 more horse power than 2009 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2009 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 996 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 650 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 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 2009 Lotus Elise. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 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 SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | SL |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
