Car comparison

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) · Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8vsLotus Elise (SERIES 3) · Facelift 2017 Sport 220 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

Sport 220 1.8

220 hp1798 ccGasolineRWDManualSuperchargedRoadster2017-2021

Comparison overview

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

Best choices

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

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    4.3 s
  • 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 power-to-weight
    261 hp/t
    195 kW/t
    3.8 kg/hp
  • Best estimated range
    743 km
    461 mi
  • Best overall score
    68/100
  • Best performance score
    83/100
  • Best practicality score
    35/100

Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Sport 220 1.8

  • Lightest
    904 kg
    1,993 lb
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    7.5 L/100 km
    31.4 mpg US
    37.7 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    10.3 L/100 km
    22.8 mpg US
    27.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest highway consumption
    5.9 L/100 km
    39.9 mpg US
    47.9 mpg UK
  • Best economy score
    87/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelMercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Sport 220 1.8
Power
455hp339kW
220hp164kW
Torque
700Nm516lb-ft
250Nm184lb-ft
Curb weight
1,740kg3,836lb
904kg1,993lb
Gross weight
2,175kg4,795lb
-
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
234 km/h
145 mph
To 99% top speed
55.7s99% target: 267 km/h / 166 mph
Calculated
43.7s99% target: 232 km/h / 144 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
4.3s
4.6s
0-200 km/h
14.2s
Calculated
17.3s
Calculated
0-60 mph
4.1s
Calculated
4.4s
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
10.3L/100 km22.8mpg US27.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
7.7L/100 km30.5mpg US36.7mpg UK
5.9L/100 km39.9mpg US47.9mpg UK
Quarter mile
12.3s
Calculated
12.8s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
261hp/t195kW/t119hp/1000 lb
Calculated
243hp/t181kW/t110hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
402Nm/t269lb-ft/ton
Calculated
277Nm/t185lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
743km461mi
Calculated
533km331mi
Calculated
Displacement
4,663cc285cu in
1,798cc110cu in
Length
4,631mm182in
3,824mm151in
Width
1,877mm74in
1,719mm68in
Height
1,315mm52in
1,117mm44in
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
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 SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Sport 220 1.8PowerTorque
  • Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: Power / Torque
  • Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Sport 220 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 2017Sport 220 1.86,800 rpm4,600 rpm7,050 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 2017Sport 220 1.8
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
4.1 s
4.4 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
4.3 s
4.6 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
14.2 s
17.3 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Limited
234 km/h
145 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.1 s
2.2 s
330 ft
101 m
5.4 s
5.6 s
1/8 mile
201 m
8.1 s
8.3 s
1000 ft
305 m
10.4 s
10.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
12.3 s
12.8 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
188 km/h
117 mph
179 km/h
111 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 2017Sport 220 1.8
220 hp
164 kW

Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 has 235 hp more than Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Sport 220 1.8.

The biggest power difference is between Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Sport 220 1.8 and Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8: 235 hp (175 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 2017Sport 220 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-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
1,740 kg
3,836 lb
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Sport 220 1.8
904 kg
1,993 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 2017Sport 220 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-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V84.3 s
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Sport 220 1.84.6 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) Facelift 2016 SL 500 V8 and Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Facelift 2017 Sport 220 1.8: 0.3 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 2017Sport 220 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 Sport 220 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 2017Sport 220 1.8
243 hp/t
181 kW/t
4.1 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

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

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Mercedes-BenzSL (R231)Facelift 2016SL 500 V8
743 km
461 mi
LotusElise (SERIES 3)Facelift 2017Sport 220 1.8
533 km
331 mi

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 2017Sport 220 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-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 2017Sport 220 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-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 2017Sport 220 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 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 2017Sport 220 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-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 2017Sport 220 1.8
243 hp/t
181 kW/t
4.1 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 2017Sport 220 1.8
Power
455 hp
339 kW
220 hp
164 kW
Torque
700 Nm
516 lb-ft
250 Nm
184 lb-ft
Acceleration
4.3 s
4.6 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
270 km/h168 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
234 km/h
145 mph
Lightness
1,740 kg
3,836 lb
904 kg
1,993 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
3,824 mm
150.6 in
Height
1,117 mm
44.0 in
Range score
743 km
461 mi
533 km
331 mi
CO2 score
-
173 g/km
Trunk score
364 L
12.9 cu ft
-
Power-to-weight score
261 hp/t
195 kW/t
3.8 kg/hp
243 hp/t
181 kW/t
4.1 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 Sport 220 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

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

  • Has 235 hp more
  • Has 450 Nm more
  • Is 0.3 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 36 km/h (22 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 18 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 209 km (130 mi) more estimated range

Pros

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

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Mercedes-Benz SL (R231) SL 500 V8
Lotus Elise (SERIES 3) Sport 220 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 Sport 220 1.8 - car comparison - FastVsFaster