Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8vsLotus Elise (SERIES 3) · Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016

SL 500 V8

455 hp4663 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTwin-turboRoadster2019-2020
VS

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) · Facelift 2017

Cup 260 1.8

250 hp1798 ccGasolineRWDManualSuperchargedRoadster2017-2021

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.2 s
  • Lightest
    895 kg
    1,973 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    279 hp/t
    208 kW/t
    3.6 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.5 L/100 km
    31.4 mpg US
    37.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    10.1 L/100 km
    23.3 mpg US
    28.0 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.0 L/100 km
    39.2 mpg US
    47.1 mpg UK
  • Best economy score
    87/100

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8

  • Fastest top speed
    270 km/h
    168 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    455 hp
    339 kW
  • Highest torque
    700 Nm
    516 lb-ft
  • Best overall score
    68/100
  • Best performance score
    83/100
  • Best practicality score
    35/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Power
455hp339kW
250hp186kW
Torque
700Nm516lb-ft
265Nm195lb-ft
Curb weight
1,740kg3,836lb
895kg1,973lb
Gross weight
2,175kg4,795lb
-
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
243 km/h
151 mph
To 99% top speed
55.7s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
43.4s99% target: 241 km/h / 149 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.3s
4.2s
0-200 km/h
14.2s
Calculated
15.1s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.1s
Calculated
4.0s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
10.1L/100 km23.3mpg US28.0mpg UK
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14.2L/100 km16.6mpg US19.9mpg UK
10.1L/100 km23.3mpg US28.0mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
6L/100 km39.2mpg US47.1mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.3s
Calculated
12.3s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
261hp/t195kW/t119hp/1000 lb
Calculated
279hp/t208kW/t127hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
402Nm/t269lb-ft/ton
Calculated
296Nm/t198lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
743km461mi
Calculated
-
Displacement
4,663cc285cu in
1,798cc110cu in
Length
4,631mm182in
-
Width
1,877mm74in
-
Height
1,315mm52in
-
Wheelbase
2,585mm102in
-
Front track
1,600mm63in
-
Rear track
1,604mm63in
-
Trunk volume
364L
-
Max trunk volume
485L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
75L
-
CO2 emissions-
175g/km

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: Power / Torque
  • Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V85,250 rpm1,800-3,500 rpm6,500 rpm
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.87,200 rpm5,500 rpm7,450 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.1 s
4.0 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.3 s
4.2 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
14.2 s
15.1 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
243 km/h
151 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.1 s
2.1 s
330 ft
101 m
5.4 s
5.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.1 s
8.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.4 s
10.3 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.3 s
12.3 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
188 km/h
117 mph
185 km/h
115 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
455 hp
339 kW
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
250 hp
186 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 has 205 hp more than Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8.

The biggest power difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: 205 hp (153 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
265 Nm
195 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
1,740 kg
3,836 lb
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
895 kg
1,973 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
243 km/h
151 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V84.3 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.84.2 s

Although Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 has more power, Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: 0.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: 2.6 L/100 km.

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
261 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
279 hp/t
208 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
455 hp
339 kW
4.3 s
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
250 hp
186 kW
4.2 s
243 km/h
151 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
Power
455 hp
339 kW
0-100 km/h4.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
364 L
12.9 cu ft
Length
4,631 mm
182.3 in
Height
1,315 mm
51.8 in
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Power
250 hp
186 kW
0-100 km/h4.2 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length-
Height-

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
Power
455 hp
339 kW
0-100 km/h4.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Power
250 hp
186 kW
0-100 km/h4.2 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 mpg UK
4.3 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
4.2 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
261 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
279 hp/t
208 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Cup 260 1.8
Power
455 hp
339 kW
250 hp
186 kW
Torque
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
265 Nm
195 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.3 s
4.2 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
243 km/h
151 mph
Lightness
1,740 kg
3,836 lb
895 kg
1,973 lb
Fuel consumption
10.1 L/100 km
23.3 mpg US
28.0 mpg UK
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
364 L
12.9 cu ft
Length
4,631 mm
182.3 in
Height
1,315 mm
51.8 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length-
Height-
Range score
743 km
461 mi
-
CO2 score
-
175 g/km
Trunk score
364 L
12.9 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
261 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
279 hp/t
208 kW/t
3.6 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleMercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8
Consumption10.1 L/100 km23.3 mpg US28 mpg UK7.5 L/100 km31.4 mpg US37.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.68 LC100 km13.13 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi28.45 LC100 mi21.12 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,515 L400 US gal333 UK gal1,125 L297 US gal247 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,651 LC/year1,969 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8

  • Is 845 kg lighter
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 2.6 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 18 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) SL 500 V8
Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Cup 260 1.8
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 vs Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) · Facelift 2017 Cup 260 1.8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster