Car comparison

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8vsMercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI

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

New comparison

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3)

S Cup 1.8

220 hpGasolineRWDManualSuperchargedRoadster2012-2016
VS

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172)

SLK 250 CDI

204 hp2143 ccDieselRWDAutomaticTwin-turboRoadster2012-2015

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.6 s
  • Fastest top speed
    245 km/h
    152 mph Unrestricted
    225 km/h
    140 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    220 hp
    164 kW
  • Lightest
    952 kg
    2,099 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    231 hp/t
    172 kW/t
    4.3 kg/hp
  • Best overall score
    52/100
  • Best performance score
    63/100
  • Best practicality score
    30/100

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI

  • 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
    6.2 L/100 km
    37.9 mpg US
    45.6 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    4.3 L/100 km
    54.7 mpg US
    65.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest CO2 emissions
    132 g/km
  • Best estimated range
    1,200 km
    746 mi
  • Best economy score
    93/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelLotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
Power
220hp164kW
204hp152kW
Torque
250Nm184lb-ft
500Nm369lb-ft
Curb weight
952kg2,099lb
1,515kg3,340lb
Gross weight-
1,905kg4,200lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Calculated
243 km/h
151 mph
To 99% top speed
47.0s99% target: 243 km/h / 151 mph
Calculated
81.6s99% target: 241 km/h / 149 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.6s
6.7s
0-200 km/h
16.1s
Calculated
26.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.4s
Calculated
6.4s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
7.5L/100 km31.4mpg US37.7mpg UK
5L/100 km47mpg US56.5mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
9.9L/100 km23.8mpg US28.5mpg UK
6.2L/100 km37.9mpg US45.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.1L/100 km38.6mpg US46.3mpg UK
4.3L/100 km54.7mpg US65.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.7s
Calculated
14.7s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
231hp/t172kW/t105hp/1000 lb
Calculated
135hp/t100kW/t61hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
263Nm/t176lb-ft/ton
Calculated
330Nm/t221lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
533km331mi
Calculated
1,200km746mi
Calculated
Displacement-
2,143cc131cu in
Length
3,824mm151in
4,134mm163in
Width
1,719mm68in
1,810mm71in
Height
1,117mm44in
1,301mm51in
Wheelbase
2,300mm91in
2,430mm96in
Front track-
1,559mm61in
Rear track-
1,565mm62in
Trunk volume-
225L
Max trunk volume-
335L
Doors
2
2
Seats
2
2
Fuel tank
40L
60L
CO2 emissions
175g/km
132g/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.

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDIPowerTorque
  • Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8: Power / Torque
  • Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.86,800 rpm4,600 rpm7,050 rpm
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI3,800 rpm1,600-1,800 rpm4,050 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricLotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.4 s
6.4 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.6 s
6.7 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
16.1 s
26.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Likely limited
243 km/h
151 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.2 s
2.4 s
330 ft
101 m
5.6 s
6.4 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.3 s
9.7 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.7 s
12.4 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.7 s
14.7 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
182 km/h
113 mph
158 km/h
98 mph

Power comparison

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

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

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 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 Cup 1.8: 16 hp (12 kW).

Torque comparison

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

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

Curb weight comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
952 kg
2,099 lb
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
1,515 kg
3,340 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
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
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.84.6 s
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI6.7 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8 and Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI: 2.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI and Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 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
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
231 hp/t
172 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

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

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
220 hp
164 kW
4.6 s
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
204 hp
152 kW
6.7 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
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h4.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
Power
204 hp
152 kW
0-100 km/h6.7 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 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

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
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
Power
220 hp
164 kW
0-100 km/h4.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
Power
204 hp
152 kW
0-100 km/h6.7 s
Top speed
243 km/h
151 mph
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 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
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
4.6 s
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK
6.7 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
LotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8
231 hp/t
172 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 kg/hp
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleLotusElise (SERIES 3)S Cup 1.8Mercedes-BenzSLK (R172)SLK 250 CDI
Power
220 hp
164 kW
204 hp
152 kW
Torque
250 Nm
184 lb-ft
500 Nm
369 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.6 s
6.7 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
245 km/h152 mph
Restricted
225 km/h140 mph
243 km/h
151 mph
Lightness
952 kg
2,099 lb
1,515 kg
3,340 lb
Fuel consumption
7.5 L/100 km
31.4 mpg US
37.7 mpg UK
5.0 L/100 km
47.0 mpg US
56.5 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
2 doors
2 seats
Trunk-
Length
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in
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
Range score
533 km
331 mi
1,200 km
746 mi
CO2 score
175 g/km
132 g/km
Trunk score
-
225 L
7.9 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
231 hp/t
172 kW/t
4.3 kg/hp
135 hp/t
100 kW/t
7.4 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
VehicleLotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI
Consumption7.5 L/100 km31.4 mpg US37.7 mpg UK5 L/100 km47 mpg US56.5 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km13.13 LC100 km8.75 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi21.12 LC100 mi14.08 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,125 L297 US gal247 UK gal750 L198 US gal165 UK gal
Annual fuel cost1,969 LC/year1,313 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) S Cup 1.8

  • Has 16 hp more
  • Is 563 kg lighter
  • Is 2.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 2 km/h (1 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 96 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Highest CO2 emissions

Mercedes-Benz SLK (R172) SLK 250 CDI

  • Has 250 Nm more
  • Uses 2.5 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 667 km (414 mi) more estimated range
  • Emits 43 g/km less CO2

Pros

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

Cons

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

Choose cars to compare

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

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