2009 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 2010 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2010 Lotus Elise is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 1,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Lotus Elise (405 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Lotus Elise weights approximately 391 kg more than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2010 Lotus Elise (459 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. (250 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mercedes-Benz C. 2010 Lotus Elise has automatic transmission and 2009 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Lotus Elise will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | 2010 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Lotus |
| Model | C | Elise |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1881 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4882 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1915 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1354 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2941 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 86 L |
