Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDIvsLotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8

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

New comparison

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172)

SLK 250 CDI

204 hp2143 ccDieselRWDManualTwin-turboRoadster2012-2015
VS

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3)

S 1.8

220 hpGasolineRWDManualSuperchargedRoadster2012-2017

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI

  • Fastest top speed
    244 km/h
    152 mph
  • Highest torque
    500 Nm
    369 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    5.0 L/100 km
    47.0 mpg US
    56.5 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    6.4 L/100 km
    36.8 mpg US
    44.1 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    4.1 L/100 km
    57.4 mpg US
    68.9 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    129 g/km
  • Best estimated range
    1,200 km
    746 mi
  • Best economy score
    93/100

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.6 s
  • Most powerful
    220 hp
    164 kW
  • Lightest
    924 kg
    2,037 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    238 hp/t
    178 kW/t
    4.2 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    52/100
  • Best performance score
    62/100
  • Best practicality score
    30/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDILotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
204hp152kW
220hp164kW
Torque
500Nm369lb-ft
250Nm184lb-ft
Curb weight
1,495kg3,296lb
924kg2,037lb
Gross weight
1,885kg4,156lb
-
Top speed
244 km/h
152 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
To 99% top speed
79.3s99% target: 242 km/h / 150 mph
Calculated
43.9s99% target: 232 km/h / 144 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.5s
4.6s
0-200 km/h
25.3s
Calculated
17.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.2s
Calculated
4.4s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
5L/100 km47mpg US56.5mpg UK
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
6.4L/100 km36.8mpg US44.1mpg UK
10.3L/100 km22.8mpg US27.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
4.1L/100 km57.4mpg US68.9mpg UK
5.9L/100 km39.9mpg US47.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.6s
Calculated
12.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
136hp/t102kW/t62hp/1000 lb
Calculated
238hp/t178kW/t108hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
334Nm/t224lb-ft/ton
Calculated
271Nm/t181lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
1,200km746mi
Calculated
533km331mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,143cc131cu in
-
Length
4,134mm163in
3,824mm151in
Width
1,810mm71in
1,719mm68in
Height
1,301mm51in
1,117mm44in
Wheelbase
2,430mm96in
2,300mm91in
Front track
1,559mm61in
-
Rear track
1,565mm62in
-
Trunk volume
225L
-
Max trunk volume
335L
-
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
60L
40L
CO2 emissions
129g/km
173g/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 SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDILotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI: Power / Torque
  • Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI3,800 rpm1,600-1,800 rpm4,050 rpm
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.86,800 rpm4,600 rpm7,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricMercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDILotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.2 s
4.4 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.5 s
4.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
25.3 s
17.3 s
Top speed
244 km/h
152 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.4 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
6.4 s
5.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.5 s
8.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.3 s
10.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.6 s
12.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
159 km/h
99 mph
179 km/h
111 mph

Power comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
204 hp
152 kW
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
220 hp
164 kW

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 has 16 hp more than Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI.

The biggest power difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI and Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8: 16 hp (12 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
250 Nm
184 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
924 kg
2,037 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-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
244 km/h
152 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
234 km/h
145 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI6.5 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.84.6 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI: 1.9 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-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI and Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8: 2.5 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-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
136 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
238 hp/t
178 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
1,200 km
746 mi
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
533 km
331 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
204 hp
152 kW
6.5 s
244 km/h
152 mph
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
220 hp
164 kW
4.6 s
234 km/h
145 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-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
Power
204 hp
152 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
244 km/h
152 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Length
4,134 mm
162.8 in
Height
1,301 mm
51.2 in
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h4.6 s
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in

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-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
Power
204 hp
152 kW
0-100 km/h6.5 s
Top speed
244 km/h
152 mph
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h4.6 s
Top speed
234 km/h
145 mph
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 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-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK
6.5 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
4.6 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-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
136 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
238 hp/t
178 kW/t
4.2 kg/hp
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleMercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDILotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
204 hp
152 kW
220 hp
164 kW
Torque
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
250 Nm
184 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.5 s
4.6 s
Top speed
244 km/h
152 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
Lightness
1,495 kg
3,296 lb
924 kg
2,037 lb
Fuel consumption
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Length
4,134 mm
162.8 in
Height
1,301 mm
51.2 in
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in
Range score
1,200 km
746 mi
533 km
331 mi
CO2 score
129 g/km
173 g/km
Trunk score
225 L
7.9 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
136 hp/t
102 kW/t
7.3 kg/hp
238 hp/t
178 kW/t
4.2 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 SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDILotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8
Consumption5 L/100 km47 mpg US56.5 mpg UK7.5 L/100 km31.4 mpg US37.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km8.75 LC100 km13.13 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi14.08 LC100 mi21.12 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used750 L198 US gal165 UK gal1,125 L297 US gal247 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,313 LC/year1,969 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI

  • Has 250 Nm more
  • Has 10 km/h (6 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 2.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 667 km (414 mi) more estimated range
  • Emits 44 g/km less CO2

Pros

  • Highest top speed
  • Highest torque
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best estimated range

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Heaviest

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8

  • Has 16 hp more
  • Is 571 kg lighter
  • Is 1.9 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 102 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Most powerful
  • Lightest
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Lowest top speed
  • Highest CO2 emissions

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI
Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8
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2 vehicles selected

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