2009 Lotus Elise vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Lotus Elise. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Lotus Elise would be higher. At 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. (168 HP @ 3000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 950 kg more 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (400 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Lotus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Elise | E |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.7 seconds | 8.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1735 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 80 L |
