Audi S5 vs Lotus Elise
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2011 Lotus Elise
Overview
| Spec | Audi S5Premium | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Premium | Base |
| Body style | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 7-speed automated manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2011 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Audi S5Premium | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $63,300 | $51,845 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Audi S5Premium | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG | 23 MPG |
| City MPG | 20 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 29 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.8 gal (best) | 11.5 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Audi S5Premium | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 362 hp (best) | 189 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft (best) | 133 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3 L (best) | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Audi S5Premium | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 2 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 37.5 cu ft (best) | 4 cu ft |
| Payload | 992 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 4,288 lbs | 2,010 lbs (best) |
| Wheelbase | 114 in (best) | 90.5 in |
| Length | 190.3 in (best) | 149 in |
| Width | 73.2 in (best) | 67.7 in |
| Height | 56.5 in (best) | 44 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Audi S5Premium | Lotus EliseBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | — |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | — |
| Side pole | Not Rated | — |
| Rollover | Not Rated | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 2 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Audi S5 | Lotus Elise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Premium $63,300 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $51,845 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Premium Plus $66,200 MSRP | SC $54,990 MSRP |
| 3 | Prestige $70,900 MSRP | — |
Audi S5 vs Lotus Elise FAQ
- Which is better: 2026 Audi S5 or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Audi S5 vs 2011 Lotus Elise on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2026 Audi S5 or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2011 Lotus Elise starts lower at $51,845.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Audi S5 or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- The 2011 Lotus Elise leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (51,845).
- Which has better horsepower: 2026 Audi S5 or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- The 2026 Audi S5 leads on horsepower in this comparison (362).
- Which has better seats: 2026 Audi S5 or 2011 Lotus Elise?
- The 2026 Audi S5 leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Audi S5 vs 2011 Lotus Elise?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Audi S5 (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).