Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300vsLotus 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 300

245 hp1991 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticTurbochargedRoadster2015-2016
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 300

  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    245 hp
    183 kW
  • Highest torque
    370 Nm
    273 lb-ft
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    6.2 L/100 km
    37.9 mpg US
    45.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    7.8 L/100 km
    30.2 mpg US
    36.2 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.2 L/100 km
    45.2 mpg US
    54.3 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    968 km
    601 mi
  • Best performance score
    62/100
  • Best economy score
    90/100

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.6 s
  • 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 practicality score
    30/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
245hp183kW
220hp164kW
Torque
370Nm273lb-ft
250Nm184lb-ft
Curb weight
1,430kg3,153lb
924kg2,037lb
Gross weight
1,820kg4,012lb
-
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
234 km/h
145 mph
To 99% top speed
74.9s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
43.9s99% target: 232 km/h / 144 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
5.8s
4.6s
0-200 km/h
20.4s
Calculated
17.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
5.5s
Calculated
4.4s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
6.2L/100 km37.9mpg US45.6mpg UK
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
7.8L/100 km30.2mpg US36.2mpg UK
10.3L/100 km22.8mpg US27.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
5.2L/100 km45.2mpg US54.3mpg UK
5.9L/100 km39.9mpg US47.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
13.9s
Calculated
12.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
171hp/t128kW/t78hp/1000 lb
Calculated
238hp/t178kW/t108hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
259Nm/t173lb-ft/ton
Calculated
271Nm/t181lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
968km601mi
Calculated
533km331mi
Calculated
Displacement
1,991cc121cu 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-
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 300Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300: 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 3005,500 rpm1,300-4,000 rpm5,750 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 300LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
5.5 s
4.4 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
5.8 s
4.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
20.4 s
17.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
234 km/h
145 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.3 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
6.1 s
5.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.1 s
8.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
11.7 s
10.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
13.9 s
12.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
169 km/h
105 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 300
245 hp
183 kW
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
220 hp
164 kW

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300 has 25 hp more than Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8.

The biggest power difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300: 25 hp (19 kW).

Torque comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300
370 Nm
273 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 300
1,430 kg
3,153 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 300
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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 3005.8 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.84.6 s

Although Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300 has more power, Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300: 1.2 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 300
6.2 L/100 km
37.9 mpg US
45.6 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 300 and Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8: 1.3 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 300
171 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 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 300
968 km
601 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 300
245 hp
183 kW
5.8 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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 300
Power
245 hp
183 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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 300
Power
245 hp
183 kW
0-100 km/h5.8 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
6.2 L/100 km
37.9 mpg US
45.6 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

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300 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 300
6.2 L/100 km
37.9 mpg US
45.6 mpg UK
5.8 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 300
171 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 kg/hp
6.2 L/100 km
37.9 mpg US
45.6 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 300LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8
Power
245 hp
183 kW
220 hp
164 kW
Torque
370 Nm
273 lb-ft
250 Nm
184 lb-ft
Acceleration
5.8 s
4.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
Lightness
1,430 kg
3,153 lb
924 kg
2,037 lb
Fuel consumption
6.2 L/100 km
37.9 mpg US
45.6 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
968 km
601 mi
533 km
331 mi
CO2 score
-
173 g/km
Trunk score
225 L
7.9 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
171 hp/t
128 kW/t
5.8 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 300Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8
Consumption6.2 L/100 km37.9 mpg US45.6 mpg UK7.5 L/100 km31.4 mpg US37.7 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km10.85 LC100 km13.13 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi17.46 LC100 mi21.12 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used930 L246 US gal205 UK gal1,125 L297 US gal247 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,628 LC/year1,969 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300

  • Has 25 hp more
  • Has 120 Nm more
  • Has 26 km/h (16 mph) higher top speed
  • Uses 1.3 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 434 km (270 mi) more estimated range

Pros

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

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Heaviest

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8

  • Is 506 kg lighter
  • Is 1.2 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 67 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Lowest power
  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Lowest top speed

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300
Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

SLK 300
SLK 350 V6
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R171)Facelift 2008SLK 350 V6
S 1.8
Sport 220 1.8
VS
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8vsLotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Sport 220 1.8
SLK 300
SLK 350 V6
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R171)SLK 350 V6
S 1.8
1.8 i 16V 111R
VS
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8vsLotusElise (SERIES 2)1.8 i 16V 111R
SLK 300
SLK 230 Kompressor
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R170)SLK 230 Kompressor
S 1.8
1.8
VS
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8vsLotus2-Eleven1.8
SLK 300
AMG SLK 32 V6
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R170)Facelift 2000AMG SLK 32 V6
S 1.8
2.0 TFSI
VS
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8vsAUDITT Roadster (8S)2.0 TFSI
S 1.8
2.0 TFSI
VS
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8vsAUDITT Roadster (8J)Facelift 20102.0 TFSI
SLK 300
28i
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300vsBMWZ4 (E89)28i
S 1.8
SLK 250 CDI
VS
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S 1.8vsMercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
SLK 300
2.7
VS
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 300vsPorscheBoxster (981)2.7
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 300 vs Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S 1.8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster